It’s a double takeover!

Teen takes over role of Tanzania's British High Commissioner and later, Ambassador spends the day as a high schooler in unique 'takeover swap'.

Eighteen-year-old Maureen took over role of Tanzania's British High Commissioner, Ambassador Marianne Young for a day as part of the International Day of the Girl global campaign activities that aim at celebrating the power and potential of girls as leaders and decision makers.

Eighteen-year-old Maureen poses for a picture with Tanzania's British High Commissioner Ambassador Marianne Young during the International Day of the Girl takeover activities
Eighteen-year-old Maureen with Tanzania’s British High Commissioner Ambassador Marianne Young after International Day of the Girl takeover activities. © Plan International 

During the day-long takeover, Maureen chaired a meeting of over 60 embassy staff members, held an in-depth discussion with the embassy’s all-women senior leadership team and later visited a climate-smart project hub.

“It was the best experience ever!” said Maureen. “Having a chance of sharing my overview in vital matters like inclusive quality education, gender equality and hearing from the climate change representatives gave me a very important stretch of mindset. I’m taking forward all what I’ve learned to bring the positive impact that our county is curious to have, specifically in inclusive quality education to girls and children and the matter of gender equality.”

Tanzania's British High Commissioner Ambassador Marianne Young attends class as part of unique 'takeover swap'
Tanzania’s British High Commissioner, Ambassador Marianne Young attends Maureen’s class as part of unique ‘takeover swap’ © Plan International 

The next day, in what was a unique takeover experience, Ambassador Marianne Young stepped into 18-year-old Maureen’s shoes for a day – spending time at her school, meeting her teachers and friends and even attending class – in efforts to hear and gain insights on the lived realities of girls and young women.

“I was proud to swap places with the dynamic Maureen and learn about her life and vision for the future. The future will be in good hands if we keep stretching out ours to support amazing young women like her,” said Ambassador Young.

Girls taking hold of their power and potential

Across the globe, thousands of girls and young women took over leadership positions across different sectors, during this year’s International Day of the Girl, to champion gender equality, better representation and the potential of girls.

Through the #GirlsTakeover, girls occupy spaces where they are rarely seen or heard, making it clear they have the right to be there without being silenced or ignored. In doing so, they aim to change perceptions around what is possible for girls and young women as decision makers, leaders and change makers.

“My heart is filled with so much appreciation to all the organisations that have seen the value within girls and have been taking active actions towards nurturing their potential,” said Maureen who was ambassador for a day.

“To all the world leaders, girls need to be linked to opportunities that will not only make them takeover for just a day, but access full engagement in decision making fields, and stretch more their high capacities,” she added.

Categories: Campaigns, Youth empowerment Tags: girls' leadership

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