Pania Ghaneian is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and protection, working to prevent child exploitation and ensure young people have the knowledge and resources to stay safe. As a member of OneChild’s Youth Advisory Squad, she have helped bring conversations about child trafficking into schools, communities, and policy spaces where the issue is too often overlooked. Additionally, serving as an Educational Consultant, she have also helped strengthen OneChild’s educational programming and survivor support resources
Pania developed and delivered workshops for youth and parents in her community, equipping families with the knowledge to recognize human trafficking, understand potential risks, and respond effectively. Her advocacy has reached more than 5,000 people through conferences and awareness initiatives in Canada and internationally, as well as 450+ Canadians through the government-supported #FlipTheScript webinar.
Her advocacy has extended from community education to national and international policy. As the Canadian Representative for the Inter-American Children’s Institute’s CORIA program, Pania has collaborated with youth across the Americas to bring young people’s perspectives on child exploitation directly to decision-makers. She have also collaborated with youth advocates and policy experts on recommendations related to Canada’s proposed Safe Social Media legislation, advocating for stronger protections for children in digital spaces.
Closer to home, Pania has spent four years helping lead the Interact Club of Barrie, growing its membership by more than 1,100%. Through youth-led initiatives, the group has contributed 15,000+ volunteer hours and raised more than $15,000 for organizations supporting children, youth, and families.
From community workshops to international conferences and policy tables, Pania is turning an issue too often met with silence into one that demands action. By equipping young people with the knowledge to recognize exploitation and bringing their voices directly to decision-makers, she is helping build stronger systems of prevention and protection. Her goal is clear: a future where every child is informed, empowered, and protected from violence and exploitation.