PLAN International empowers girls through symbolic leadership takeovers

Joyeta, a Year 12 student from Sylhet, symbolically assumed the role of His Excellency Mr Nicolas Weeks, Ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh, through Plan International Bangladesh's 'Girls Take Over' initiative for the International Day of the Girl Child, demonstrating the power and potential of girls' leadership.

A passionate child rights activist, Joyeta advocates for girls' leadership. She has worked with the National Children's Task Force (NCTF) and Plan International's Y-Moves Project for four years. Her work spans 40 districts and focuses on advancing children's rights, gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).

This global campaign from Plan International demonstrates how placing adolescent girls in leadership roles powerfully challenges stereotypes, showing that girls are capable leaders and redefining leadership for a fairer future.

The International Day of the Girl Child's theme, 'The girl I am, the change I lead: Girls on the frontlines of crisis', recognises girls as catalysts for change. Bangladesh's national theme amplifies this message: 'I am a girl, I dream, I dare, I work for my country', underlining the vital role girls play in shaping the nation.

As the first female President of NCTF's central committee, Joyeta has led efforts against child marriage and raised awareness of sexual violence, menstrual health and HIV/AIDS. Her leadership has empowered over 100,000 children with crucial knowledge of their rights.

Reflecting on her experience, Joyeta said, 'I truly believe that a girl from a small town can become a strong leader. With the right knowledge, support and opportunities, we can inspire others—especially girls—to lead and create change in their communities.'

Ambassador Nicolas Weeks said, 'This International Day of the Girl, we stand in solidarity with every girl in Bangladesh and beyond. Every girl deserves the right to voice her opinions and have them valued. True democracy thrives only when women and girls are fully and equally represented in public life.'

At the Swedish Embassy, Joyeta advocated for action against child marriage and stressed that greater women's leadership is essential to building a safer, fairer society for children.

This year's 'Girls Take Over' initiatives show adolescent girls across Bangladesh, including Rohingya participants, stepping confidently into leadership. Their involvement elevates the campaign's central message: 'All girls standing strong, creating global change.'