UNICEF India Appoints Smriti Mandhana as Celebrity Advocate

By: Women Entrepreneurs Review Team | Monday, 12 October 2026

India Women's Cricket Team’s Captain, Smriti Mandhana, is set to assume a new role as she has been named UNICEF India Celebrity Advocate. The announcement was made on October 11, 2026, in connection with the International Day of the Girl stressing the importance of establishing a safer environment where girls can have their rights and be able to develop their leadership abilities.

In her new position, Smriti will bank upon her athletic successes and public recognition to help UNICEF India with its work on children’s rights promotion providing them with multiple opportunities. Her new engagement is also based on her past experience in campaigning for gender equality and the well-being of children and young people.

Key Highlights:

• Smriti Mandhana joins UNICEF India as Celebrity Advocate to champion girls’ rights
• The partnership promotes girls’ education, sports participation, leadership, and well-being
• Smriti will use her sporting influence to advance gender equality and youth empowerment

She expressed her excitement about the new association with UNICEF India, valuing the timely importance of chance, guidance, and encouragement. Smriti stressed upon the importance of making sure that individuals get the resources and encouragement needed to unlock their full potential in different areas of sports and education.

Smriti commented, “I am deeply honoured to join UNICEF India as a Celebrity Advocate. Growing up playing cricket taught me that every dream begins with an opportunity. With hard work, determination, and encouragement, that opportunity can turn into something extraordinary. Every child and young person deserves the chance to dream big and reach their full potential.”

The association aims at creating discussions around gender equality addressing challenges that restrict the development of girls. Her selection is indicative of the increasing importance of sports as an instrument for creating social change and increasing awareness regarding issues faced by girls. Using her stature and command, she will leverage the opportunity to raise issues and challenges facing girls and empowering women especially those who have limited opportunities in education, facilities, and realization of their dreams.

Smriti will assist in initiatives that seek to empower the adolescent girls and help them lead healthy lives while realizing their full potential. This position also aims at fostering an environment within which girls could participate freely in sports without any barriers. The partnership is designed to make use of Smriti's public image in spreading messages on equal opportunities and the need for sustainable support.

Cynthia McCaffrey, UNICEF India Representative, appreciated her journey from being a budding athlete to an internationally recognized cricketer. “Smriti’s journey from an aspiring young athlete to a global cricket icon demonstrates to girls what is possible when talent meets opportunity. At a time when India is home to the world’s largest generation of children and young people, investing in girls’ rights, leadership, and wellbeing is a nation’s smartest investment. We look forward to partnering with Smriti to help ensure every girl has the opportunity to learn, play, lead, and fulfill her potential,” Cynthia added.