Baishakhi, a youth activist from Dhaka took over the Norway Embassy in Bangladesh for a day on Tuesday to advocate for girls’ rights, equal opportunities and equal chances for girls.
The takeover is a part of the global #GirlsTakeover campaign, a signature activity of Plan International. Every year, Plan rolls out this activity all over the world, including Bangladesh, marking the International Day of Girls on 11 October, under its Girls Get Equal campaign calling for increased investment in girls’ power, activism and leadership, said a press release.
This year, as it is 10 years of observing the international day, Plan International has mobilized a number of takeovers all over the country. More than 40 girls are symbolically taking over the leading positions within politics, governance, diplomacy, business etc. to promote equality, freedom, and representation for girls and young women.
Baishakhi, the Norway Ambassador to Bangladesh for the day, who is also a graduate sponsored child of Plan International Bangladesh, expressed her excitement.
Baishakhi, with her leadership skill, has been motivating her community to discard prejudices against LGBTQ+ community. She also advocates for higher education of the girls in her community by influencing the parents.
Norwegian Ambassador to Bangladesh EspenRikter-Svendsen said, "On this International Day of the Girl 2022, we are united around the theme of Equal Power, now".
The #GIRLSTAKEOVER campaign by Plan International is a powerful statement about the empowerment of girls. Girls can revolutionize their lives and communities when they are given equal opportunities and equal chances in life. The takeover is an opportunity to not only amplify the strength of girls, but also to highlight everyone’s dedication to supporting girls' concerns and gender equality in your country.
