Anita: My day as German Ambassador
Anita, a determined 17-year-old from Madhesh Province, is a fearless advocate for girls' rights in her community. Her experience as German Ambassador for a day strengthened her resolve to challenge harmful traditions and inspire change. Join Anita as she shares her powerful takeover story.
Hi, I’m Anita, 17, from Dhanusha. I believe young people can create change, and I’m dedicated to ending child marriage, the dowry system, and harmful norms in my community. As a Champion of Change member, my friends and I raise awareness on issues to end child marriage, gender violence, and health risks through street dramas. I dream of becoming a doctor and am committed to improving reproductive health.
This year, I had an incredible chance to be the German Ambassador to Nepal for a day, stepping into the role of Dr. Thomas Prinz.
Discussing sustainable future
As soon as I arrived at the embassy, I was warmly welcomed by Ambassador Prinz and his team. Our first stop was the National Conference on Sustainable Development: Climate Change, Energy Transition, and Governance. On our way to the conference, I was curious to know more about his role, so I asked him, “What do you do as an ambassador? How did you become one?” He explained that, like a school principal, he leads the embassy team, keeps Germany informed about Nepal’s situation, and supports Nepal’s development through partnerships with the government and organisations like the Red Cross. His explanation helped me see how his work involves responsibility and teamwork.
At the conference, I was introduced as “Her Excellency Ambassador Anita,” which made me proud and excited. When H.E. Dr. Prinz introduced me as the shadow ambassador for the day, I felt truly honoured. During the conference, we discussed Nepal’s transition to renewable energy and climate adaptation. I found it fascinating to learn that even though Nepal has low emissions, we are at high risk from climate change. This topic reminded me how important it is for everyone to be involved in climate issues.
Learning at the embassy
After the conference, I returned to the embassy to learn about its different departments. I was happy to see female colleagues working alongside Nepali staff members in various roles. I was particularly interested in the visa department, where I discovered that many Nepalis go to Germany for higher education, jobs, and special training programmes. I asked if Germans also visit Nepal, and I learned that Nepal is a popular destination for German tourists and researchers interested in our rich culture and traditions. It felt good to know that Germany supports youth education, employment, climate adaptation, and cultural preservation in Nepal.
Meeting the minister of labour
Later, I attended a meeting with the Minister of Labour, Sharat Singh Bhandari. I spoke to him in Maithili, and he welcomed me with warmth, saying, “It’s great to see young girls from Madhesh on their leadership journey. I’m happy to support her in this journey.” I took the chance to ask him about child labour, saying, “Honourable Minister, you’ve done amazing work for youth employment. But in my area, many children my age are forced to work instead of going to school. What is the ministry doing about this?”
He explained that anyone forcing children into labour faces legal consequences and that the government runs programmes to bring children back to school. He praised my advocacy efforts and encouraged me to continue my studies, reminding me that social change requires the efforts of parents, local leaders, and the government.
Inspired by women leaders
Back at the embassy, I felt inspired to see women in leadership roles. Before I left, I shared a manifesto written by me and 24 other Girls Takeover participants, advocating for better protection, education, and health services for girls. Reflecting on my experience, I shared, “This day has been a real turning point for me. It showed me that leadership has no gender. If I keep learning and advocating for change, I can make a difference too.”
This experience gave me hope and determination to keep learning and working for girls’ rights. I told the ambassador I’d learn English to communicate more confidently next time. Leaving the embassy, I felt empowered. “After this takeover,” I said, “I feel more confident and motivated to fight for girls’ rights. I want to be part of the change.”
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