Empowering Teenage Girls to Lead: UN International Day of the Girl
To celebrate the UN International Day of the Girl, teenage girls were given the opportunity to step into influential roles in various organizations. Adut William Aken, a 17-year-old from Warrap State, took on the role of Gender Policy Advisor at the Netherlands Embassy in Juba, representing all girls in the country.
During this mock exercise, Aken highlighted the challenges faced by young girls and emphasized the importance of their voices being heard in decision-making processes. She expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn about issues like menstrual cycles and personal hygiene.
Roselyn Gama, the actual Gender Policy Advisor, emphasized the significance of providing a platform for young girls to express their aspirations. She praised Aken for shedding light on the issues faced by young people and stressed the importance of their involvement in program design and monitoring.
This event, organized by Plan International South Sudan, aimed to raise awareness about the obstacles girls face and promote a more inclusive and responsible society. By empowering teenage girls to take on leadership roles, the initiative encourages them to amplify their voices and advocate for change.