UNICEF Türkiye Appoints Zehra Güneş, National Volleyball Star, as a Child Rights Advocate

ISTANBUL, 18 November – UNICEF Türkiye announces the appointment of Zehra Güneş, player of the Turkish National Volleyball Team, as its newest Child Rights Advocate just before the World’s Children’s Day. In this role, Zehra will support UNICEF Türkiye’s initiatives to empower adolescent girls, promote their safety and well-being, and advocate for equal opportunities so that every girl pursues her dreams. 

“I am deeply honored to join UNICEF Türkiye in advocating for the rights and future of girls in our country, I know what it means to be supported, and now it is time for me to support all the girls and show them that everything is possible when they work hard to reach their dreams, and even the sky is not the limit” said Zehra. “Every girl deserves the chance to grow up safe, supported, and inspired to achieve her dreams.”  Zehra’s advocacy will focus on empowering girls by enhancing their skills and ensuring they have equal opportunities alongside boys, while also emphasizing the significance of mental health and well-being.

Empowering Girls to Lead and Thrive

Zehra is dedicated to empowering girls to build confidence, practical skills, and leadership abilities. “When girls are supported to lead and grow, they’re able to shape their own futures and make meaningful contributions to their communities,” she says. She also emphasizes the importance of mental well-being, noting that “supporting girls’ mental health helps them build resilience and pursue their dreams with confidence.” Zehra’s role highlights the importance of gender equality, ensuring that girls and boys have the same opportunities to succeed.

A Powerful Collaboration for Youth Empowerment

We are delighted to have Zehra joining our efforts, and joining all the girls and boys in Türkiye, as a Child Rights Advocate. Zehra is an inspiration for many girls around the country, they can see that when provided with the opportunity a girl can become a true champion. Zehra is one in volleyball, but there are millions of girls out there who are potential champions in many other fields, sports, and professions” said Paolo Marchi – UNICEF Representative in Türkiye.

UNICEF is mandated by the United Nations General Assembly to advocate for the protection of children's rights, to help meet their basic needs and to expand their opportunities to reach their full potential. The advancement of and the empowerment of girls and women are key features of UNICEF’s mandate.

Through this appointment, Zehra joins UNICEF’s global network of Advocates, which includes leaders from various fields, all committed to advancing children’s rights and well-being.