South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Awan Achiek
Plan International South Sudan held a conference on Tuesday in Juba to prepare girls to participate in takeover of leadership roles in politics and business ahead of celebration of the 11th International Day of the Girl Child.
The conference brought together 15 girls from ten states and three administrative areas to prepare a ground global campaign that aims to empower girls and highlight their role in society.
Minam Okech, Deputy Director for Child Welfare in the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare said the conference aims to prepare them for Wednesday’s takeover.
“This conference is very important for you our girls. You know as a ministry, our work is to mentor you, to help you take up leadership in this country,” Okech said.
She added that the conference will enable girls to get to know each other and network.
“This conference is very important when you are going to have your colleagues from different states. You have to know yourselves, because there are legitimate friendships among yourselves. And this conference also brings you the responsibility of girls in this country,” Okech said.
For his part, Mohammed Kamal, Country Director of Plan International encouraged the girls to take their studies seriously in a bid to contribute to nation building.
“When you believe in yourself, you should also start working hard. If you are at school, study hard, if you are out of school work hard and try to continue doing education as much as you can, and if you work hard, you should always be sure that you will make it to the top,” Kamal said.
He urged the girls to be patient while pursuing their careers.
“You will make it to the top, it is just a matter of time, be patient, the world has not been created overnight, it took time and you really need to be patient,” Kamal said.
This initiative is part of the global campaign by girls’ rights organization Plan International, which supports girls and young women worldwide to take on leadership roles in politics, businesses, and other institutions.
These “takeover” events aim to amplify the voices of girls in their quest for gender equality and explore ways to enhance support and resources for girls, while addressing the broader concerns and issues that impact their lives.
