Empowering tomorrow’s leaders: Girls Takeover

Sanjivani, an aspiring young engineer, steps into the role of regional manager at Plan International Nepal as part of the Girls Takeover programme.

Sanjivani holding a paper and showing the content she made during training.

“Because of prevalent gender inequality in society, boys are getting quality educations and opportunities than girls. Every girl’s potential is limitless, and they can lead in any position if given the opportunity.”

Sanjivani

Sanjivani, currently pursuing her diploma in engineering, had the unique opportunity to step into the role of regional manager at Plan International Nepal for a day. This was an enlightening experience, fostering newfound confidence and opening her eyes to the vast possibilities that lay ahead for young women like herself.

She says, “Because of prevalent gender inequality in society, boys are getting quality educations and opportunities than girls. Every girl’s potential is limitless, and they can lead in any position if given the opportunity.”

Breaking barriers and shattering stereotypes

Sanjivani’s journey was marked by both excitement and apprehension as she found herself surrounded by senior staff members with extensive experience. However, she quickly adapted to her new responsibilities and began engaging with the team to learn more about Plan International’s ongoing programmes for adolescent girls and the organisation’s programme areas.

She emphasised the importance of girl-centric programmes that empower and uplift young women, a sentiment deeply rooted in her own experiences and aspirations. Sanjivani believes that girls have the potential to lead in any capacity, given the opportunity.

Girls Takeover: a platform for aspiring leaders

The Girls Takeover programme, initiated by Plan International, provided Sanjivani with a platform to represent young girls like herself and raise crucial issues. During her opportunity as regional manager, she sought insights from members of the adolescent girl club, gathering valuable feedback to ensure that the voices of all girls were heard.

Sanjivani is an active member of adolescent girl clubs in her community, where discussions revolve around identifying and addressing social problems affecting girls, and seeking viable solutions. Issues such as child marriage, gender-based violence, and the lack of access to accurate information are central to their advocacy efforts.

She reflects, “Taking over the position of Regional Manager was a great learning opportunity for me. It has uplifted my confidence. I realised girls can be in any position and can lead.”

“Taking over the position of Regional Manager was a great learning opportunity for me. It has uplifted my confidence. I realised girls can be in any position and can lead.”

Sanjivani

Sanjivani recognises the existing gender inequalities in society, particularly in access to quality education and opportunities. She advocates for equal opportunities for girls and boys, firmly believing that every girl has the potential to lead and make a difference.

As a sponsor child of Plan International Nepal, Sanjivani has not only excelled in her studies but has also actively engaged in learning about social issues and developing leadership skills. Her activism in the community, focused on ending child marriage, promoting menstrual health, and conducting awareness programmes, has made a significant impact and facilitated her takeover experience.

Mina Kumari Parajuli, the regional manager of Plan International Nepal says, “I had a brief meeting with Sanjivani and explained to her my roles and responsibilities as a regional manager. Then she put forward various observations to my team on how Plan International Nepal should be girl-focused, addressing inclusivity.”

“I had a brief meeting with Sanjivani and explained to her my roles and responsibilities as a regional manager. Then she put forward various observations to my team on how Plan International Nepal should be girl-focused, addressing inclusivity.”

Mina Kumari Parajuli, Regional Manger of Plan International Nepal
Sanjivani handed over girls manifesto to regional manager of Plan International Nepal.

Inspiring future leaders

Sanjivani’s determination to become a leader herself and inspire other girls from diverse backgrounds resonates deeply. She firmly asserts that any girl, regardless of her origins, can become a remarkable leader if given the opportunity. She passionately advocates for equal learning opportunities for all girls.

“Any girl from any background can be a great leader, lead any position if given the opportunity.”

Sanjivani

Reflecting on her transformative takeover experience, Sanjivani motivates other girls to join initiatives like Girls Takeover. Her message to young girls is clear: “Give your best, don’t fear, and always be forward to learn and share.” She envisions a future where more girls like her occupy leadership positions and shape the world for the better.

Girls Get Equal, girls’ leadership

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