Ranjita: A day of leadership at the EU Delegation
Meet Ranjita, a young leader from Sindhuli who recently stepped into the role of EU Ambassador to Nepal for a day. In her inspiring takeover, she used this unique opportunity to champion girls' rights and amplify youth voices. Today, she’s here to share her incredible journey and the impact it’s had on her commitment to change.
Namaste! I’m Ranjita, a 16-year-old from Sindhuli, and yesterday, I had the privilege of stepping into the role of H.E. Veronique Lorenzo, the EU Ambassador to Nepal, in honour of International Day of the Girl! Here’s how my day unfolded and the lessons it left me with.
Breakfast with the Ambassador
I was a bit nervous at first, but starting the day with breakfast at the Ambassador’s residence helped ease my nerves. Sharing stories with Ambassador Veronique made me feel ready for the day. I learned that it took her nearly 40 years of hard work to reach her position and that she faced many challenges along the way. Hearing her journey reminded me that setbacks are part of growth and gave me confidence in my own path.
Learning about operations and upcoming events
At the EU Delegation to Nepal, I joined an all-staff meeting, where Ambassador Veronique stressed the importance of anti-fraud measures and financial accountability. I got to hear about upcoming events, like the Study in Europe Fair 2024 and the Nepal-EU Film Festival, and was thrilled to see how each team member contributes to these impactful projects.
Engaging with youth-led organisations
I visited Creasion Nepal and Youth Innovation Lab, 2 amazing youth-led groups focused on climate action. At Creasion, I learned about their ‘Tag Me’ app, a youth-friendly platform for climate awareness. I suggested they consider translating the app into Nepali and other local dialects so it can reach young people in marginalised areas who may not speak English. I’m excited to share what I learned about Creasion’s work with my community to help spread awareness about climate action.
Inspiring conversations with the EU Youth Sounding Board Nepal
Meeting the youth members of the EU Youth Sounding Board was another highlight. Their ideas and ambitions were inspiring, and I learned how the EU supports young voices on important issues. It was empowering to be part of a community that values young people’s contributions for positive change.
Experiencing a crisis simulation
The most challenging part of the day was handling a mock landslide scenario. Experiencing the responsibility that an ambassador holds in an emergency was eye-opening. This exercise taught me the value of quick, thoughtful decision-making, especially in critical moments where lives are at stake.
During the crisis simulation, I introduced the Girls’ Manifesto—a document I helped create with 24 other girls from 5 districts. Together, we’re calling on decision-makers to make humanitarian responses more girl-focused, ensuring girls’ unique needs are considered during crises. I proudly handed a copy of the manifesto to Ambassador Veronique and her European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations team, highlighting our demand for more inclusive and protective responses. They listened closely and committed to keeping girls’ voices at the heart of their humanitarian planning.
Reflecting on an unforgettable day
This experience has made me feel more confident about my future goals. Shadowing Ambassador Veronique taught me that change starts with a single voice, and that voice can grow louder with commitment and courage. I’m deeply grateful for this opportunity and feel empowered to bring everything I’ve learned back to my community. Here’s to the power of youth and meaningful leadership!
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