A leader in the making: Girls Takeover
Fifteen-year-old girls’ rights activist Neha takes over the role of Secretary General of the Non-Governmental Organisation Federation of Nepal for a day.
“Leadership knows no age, and opportunity knows no boundaries. We can all be leaders, given the chance to shine,” Neha tells us.
Neha is a 15-year-old girls’ rights activist committed to fighting child, early and forced marriage in her community. As part of the Girls Takeover event to celebrate International Day of the Girl, Neha became the Secretary General of the Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) Federation of Nepal for a day.
From Madhesh to the NGO Federation of Nepal
Neha’s background in the Madhesh province had never prepared her for a leadership position in Kathmandu, and it was her first opportunity to travel by plane as she journeyed to the capital.
Although the 10th-grade student is president of her local Champions of Change child club, she initially experienced self-doubt when preparing for her new role.
Not that you would know it as Neha took over as Secretary General, eager to understand the workings of the NGO Federation of Nepal and what her new position entailed. She met the current Secretary General, Arjun Bhattarai, who congratulated her and shared his best wishes for her tenure.
Neha was thrilled to be in this position, but she also had questions about the role.
She was eager to learn about the academic qualifications required to become Secretary General of the NGO Federation of Nepal. Arjun Bhattarai assured her that her dedication to positive social change made her a more than capable future candidate.
Through their interaction, Neha gained insights into the establishment of the NGO Federation, its democratic practices, and its focus areas.
After her Girls Takeover Arjun Bhattarai told us, “Neha’s boundless enthusiasm is an example of the potential of youth. Her passion and commitment are the driving forces behind positive change, reminding us all that the future is bright in the hands of young leaders.”
During her takeover, Neha committed to working towards the elimination of child marriage, harmful practices, and violence against children and women. She emphasised the importance of creating safe and disability-friendly working environments. The NGO Federation also pledged to support meaningful children and youth participation in policymaking.
Neha tells us, “Girls Takeover event taught me, to believe in your dreams, even if they take you to places you’ve never been before. That’s where the magic happens.”
“Leadership knows no age, and opportunity knows no boundaries. We can all be leaders, given the chance to shine.”
Neha
Young leaders
Neha’s leadership journey extended beyond her own Girls Takeover. She engaged in discussions with members of parliament, advocating for issues such as quality education, safety, and the elimination of child marriage and child labour.
She witnessed Girls Takeovers by her friends, as they stepped into leadership positions at the National Child Rights Council, the National Association of Rural Municipalities, and the National Youth Council.
Neha met with other young activists, engaged in panel discussions, and became inspired to lead efforts to reduce violence against children and women.
Through the Girls Takeover programme, she has begun to realise her leadership potential.
“Self-doubt may cast shadows, but it’s our determination that lights the way to success,” Neha shares.
As a young girl activist or a secretary general, Neha’s commitment to creating positive change show she’s a leader in the making. She is determined to succeed and inspire others to follow in her footsteps.
Neha’s story is a testament to youth potential when leadership opportunities are equal. Her dedication to fighting for the rights and safety of children and women serves as an inspiring example for others.
“Self-doubt may cast shadows, but it’s our determination that lights the way to success.”
Neha
About the projects
Each year in celebration of International Day of the Girl, hundreds of girls around the globe step into the roles of leaders for a day to demand equal power, freedom and representation for girls and young women. This is Girls Takeover; 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.
Plan International’s Champions of Change is a programme that aims to advance gender equality through youth engagement; empowering girls and engaging boys to identify and challenge harmful, negative masculinities that perpetuate discrimination and inequality.
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