Meet the Team

Yifei Hong from China is a dedicated advocate and researcher with a strong commitment to women’s rights and sexual and reproductive health and rights. She was formerly a Core Member of the China Youth Network and is currently a PhD student at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, Indiana University. Her work focuses on philanthropy, women’s rights, gender and development, with a particular interest in funding for women’s rights and SRHR movements. Through her advocacy and academic work, she is committed to advancing gender justice, strengthening youth participation, and exploring how philanthropic resources can better support meaningful and sustainable social change.

Bhawana Pradhan from Bhutan is a dedicated youth advocate actively engaged in sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and climate action since 2018. She currently serves as a Board Member of CYRC Bhutan, a Core Member of Y-PEER Bhutan and Me for Myself International Mental Health Campaign, an International Core Member of the Y-PEER Asia Pacific Centre, and a Cohort Member of the Climate Action Champions Network (CACN). With extensive experience in organizing and facilitating a wide range of national and international trainings, she is committed to advancing youth empowerment and recognizes the critical role young people play in driving meaningful and sustainable change.

Maria Iqbal Shah is a dedicated advocate for sustainable development, focusing on health, climate action, and social equity. A registered nurse at Aga Khan University Hospital in Pakistan, she actively contributes to research and initiatives advancing Good Health and Well-being. She is a core member of Y-PEER Asia Pacific and a mentor with the Me for Myself International Mental Health Campaign, and has worked across platforms including UNICEF South Asia and UN Women Asia Pacific’s 30 for 2030 network. Her work spans children’s rights, SRHR, gender equality, and mental health. Through projects on climate resilience and healthcare innovation, Maria is committed to creating a more inclusive, healthy, and sustainable futu

I am currently serving as an International Core Member of Y-PEER Asia Pacific and the Founder of Y-PEER Bangladesh. Since 2014, I have been working with young people on skills development, leadership, and advocacy, taking on various leadership roles within youth organisations. I am particularly motivated to support Y-PEER country teams in implementing SRHR-related programmes, strengthening advocacy, and building partnerships for resource mobilisation. Professionally, I work as a Programme Officer with WaterAid Netherlands, with a focus on WASH, youth empowerment, and SRHR.

I am an SRHR advocate with over 10 years of experience in the non-profit sector, currently serving as a core member of Y-PEER Asia Pacific center. My work focuses on youth-led advocacy, inclusive education, and promoting rights-based approaches to sexual and reproductive health. I have experience facilitating trainings, including ToT programs, and engaging diverse groups such as deaf youth to ensure accessibility. With a Master’s degree in Sustainable Development, I use communication and storytelling to advance awareness and drive impact in SRHR.

Palden is a a passionate advocate committed to making a meaningful societal impact, with a particular focus on SRHR and advancing the Sustainable Development Goals. He firmly believes in the potential of collective action to achieve the SDGs and is dedicated to driving positive change on a global scale.

Sangeet Kayastha is a Nepali activist working in the SRHR, Human Rights, and Youth activism for the last 18 years (since 2006). Currently, he is a founder and coordinator of Y-PEER Asia Pacific Center, looking after YPEER AP national networks and partners in more than 20 countries. He had worked closely with local, regional and global development organisations on key SRHR issues linking CSE, ICPD, CEDAW, SDGs and many more.

Sangeet Kayastha

International Core Members

Bhawana Pradhan

Fura Sherpa

Hong Yifei

Maria Iqbal Shah

Ramdombage Dulip

Samir Paul

Palden Wangchuk Dorji