Girls Takeover 2025
Girls are taking hold of their power and potential
They are taking over leadership positions – whether in business, politics or media – to champion gender equality, better representation and the potential of girls. It’s time that girls are front and centre at the decision-making table to help build a more equal and just world.
Girls takeovers across the region
Adna, 21, Somalia
21-year-old Adna, a gender equality advocate and a member of Plan’s youth Advisory Panel, took over the role of Head of the British Office in Hargeisa.
Throughout the day, Adna actively chaired key leadership meetings, including discussions with UNICEF and other development partners.
She used this platform to highlight the importance of girls’ inclusion in decision-making spaces, emphasising that young women should not only be heard but also be part of shaping policies that affect their lives.
Adna, 21
“This opportunity ensured that my voice is heard, I learned that I can lead, make decisions, also inspire other girls.”
Lucia, Uganda
Lucia, a girl child advocate from Westnile region, Uganda has taken over Iris Bloom , UNHCR’s Head of Office in Adjumani. She used this opportunity to, on behalf of girls in Westnile region, call upon stakeholders to join the campaign to #EndChildMarriage
Janeth, Tanzania
Janeth took over from Tanzania’s British High Commissioner for a Day.
“The takeover shaped me to become better. That one experience truly opened doors for me and shows me that anything is possible. Let’s embrace the challenges and use the confidence we gain to lift our fellow girls.”
Janeth
Aline, Lebanon
Aline stepped into the shoes of Australian Ambassador to Lebanon Andrew Barnes for a full day, under Plan International’s #GirlsTakeover initiative which encourages girls’ access to leadership roles.
Later, she also met with UN Women Yara Nassar where they discussed the women political participation portfolio and the Australian government contribution to the UN projects in Lebanon.
Atong, South Sudan
Girls Takeover at the Embassy of Canada in #SouthSudan!
16-year-old Atong stepped into the role of Ambassador for the day. She used the opportunity to highlight the importance of education for empowerment.
“Education is the foundation of girls’ empowerment and leadership.”
Atong
Mitchel, Zimbabwe
During #GirlsTakeover2025, Mitchel stepped into the role of Sweden’s Ambassador in Zimbabwe.
“Girls like me make good leaders, and supporting girls’ leadership is part of the solution to ending child marriage.”
Mitchel