Girls Takeover: empowering girls for a brighter future
Hailing from a marginalised community with stark disparities in girls' participation and educational achievement, Bipasa takes part in the Girls Takeover day, using her strong passion for girls’ education to empower girls and be a champion for change.
The United Nation’s International Day of the Girl, celebrated on the 11th of October, is a day that resonates with the world. It is not just a day of recognition but a day of action, symbolised by the global Girls Takeover event. In 2022, Plan International Nepal’s Country Director, Ram Kishan, joined forces with this movement to bring attention to the position and rights of girls and women in Nepal. Their collective effort aimed to ensure that girls have #EqualPowerNow. This is the inspiring story of Bipasa, a 17-year-old girl from a marginalised community in Nepal, who took over as Plan International Nepal’s Country Director for a day and became a catalyst for change.
The Girls Takeover: unveiling opportunities and discrimination
The Girls Takeover is a campaign that spotlights the opportunities and discrimination faced by girls worldwide. The focal point of this day is when young girls step into the shoes of political, corporate, and financial leaders, creating a powerful statement. In 2022, Bipasa, a bright 17-year-old from Janakpur, was chosen to take over as Plan International Nepal’s Country Director.
Championing girl’s education in marginalised communities
Hailing from a marginalised community with stark disparities in girls’ participation and educational achievement, Bipasa had a strong passion for girls’ education. “Discrimination in education of male and female children still exists. Sons are sent to private schools while daughters are required to do household chores,” Bipasa shares.
In her community, more daughters were sent to community schools, while private schools were favored for sons.
“Discrimination in education of male and female children still exists. Sons are sent to private schools while daughters are required to do household chores.”
Bipasa
Bipasa’s preparation and impactful questions
Bipasa’s selection for the Girls Takeover was a significant moment in her life. She diligently prepared for her role by researching Plan International Nepal and its work. Her journey from her hometown to Kathmandu, her first flight, was a mix of overwhelming excitement and determination. During her tenure as Country Director, she addressed the Country Management Team, raising the crucial issue of inclusive quality education. Bipasa emphasised the need for schools to be free from fear, discrimination, and harassment to attract girls, marginalised students, and those with disabilities.
Changing perceptions and elevators: Bipasa’s influence
Ram Kishan, the Country Director, recognised Bipasa’s potential as she interacted with the team. Initially shy and nervous, Bipasa blossomed into a powerhouse of ideas and courage. Her observations about the non-functional office elevator, a hindrance to creating an inclusive work environment, were taken seriously and led to its repair.
Girls as decision-makers and leaders
Girls must have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. Valuing girls and young women as political actors is crucial for transforming communities and achieving gender equality. Bipasa acknowledges the Girls Takeover as a unique opportunity for girls to feel empowered and connect with role models who inspire their futures.
Bipasa’s journey continues: a champion of change
“Girls Takeover is a great opportunity for young girls like me to feel empowered and allows us to be in touch with the role models and get inspired for our future,” says Bipasa.
After the Girls Takeover event, Bipasa became a role model for thousands of girls in her community. She joined Plan International Nepal’s Champion of Change programme, dedicating herself to campaigning against child, early, and forced marriage. Alongside her fellow Champion of Change members, she conducted door-to-door visits, engaging with parents to send their daughters to school. Bipasa works passionately to shatter gender stereotypes and barriers hindering young girl’s progress.
“Girls Takeover is a great opportunity for young girls like me to feel empowered and allows us to be in touch with the role models and get inspired for our future.”
Bipasa
Inspiring others and creating change
campaign workshop organized by Plan International..
Bipasa’s confidence and her dream of becoming a change agent didn’t go unnoticed. Plan International Nepal engaged her as a peer educator for its “Child Not Bride” project, where she shared her experiences at a regional workshop. She has become a beacon of hope, showing that one girl’s determination can ripple through her community, inspiring others to join the cause and be part of the Girls Takeover movement.
Bipasa’s journey from a small town in Nepal to a leader and advocate for girls’ rights demonstrates the transformative power of giving girls the opportunity to take charge of their destinies. She is a piece of living evidence of the fact that when girls are empowered and supported, they can bring about meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
Girls Get Equal, girls’ leadership