Maryam Jazeem

Maryam Jazeem (14) was raised by her father in Milton Keynes, UK, after losing her mother at a young age. Maryam grew up noticing how children from faith-based and minority backgrounds often struggle to express their identity in school and society — and how children’s voices are so often left out of decisions that affect their own lives.

Maryam started a national petition advocating for children’s right to religious expression in schools, gathering over 8,000 verified signatures in just four weeks through youth networks, schools, and community groups. Through media appearances and community conversations, she brought children’s own perspectives into public discussions on inclusion and equal access in education.

She also created Quran30Global, a 30-day child-led digital initiative connecting young reciters from over 10 countries to collectively complete the Qur’an — building a safe digital space for children to explore their identity and faith together.

With her father’s guidance and safeguarding support, Maryam has engaged an estimated 10,000 to 50,000 people across her digital and in-person work, proving that young people belong in the conversations that shape their world.