Lek Karry from an minority community in Ratanakkiri took on the role of the Indian ambassador (right) in a previous Girls Takeover programme. PIC
Plan International Cambodia is spotlighting the need to tackle discrimination against young women and girls and help them actualise their dreams.
Fifteen adolescent girls will be given the chance to experience a day in the corridors of power through the Girls Takeover programme.
The chosen candidates, aged between 15 and 24, will take on leadership roles for a day within the government, embassies, the UN, the private sector, media and other institutions.
Plan International Cambodia’s goal is to encourage representation of teen girls and young women while promoting equal power and freedom.
The selection process will conclude on July 31 with a special emphasis on voluntary group participants.
Deputy country director of Plan International Cambodia, Yi Kimthan, noted that the programme, which started in 2017, aims to expose and eliminate discrimination that hinders young women from pursuing their dreams.
This unique opportunity allows teen girls and young women to step into their desired roles for a day, thereby creating a realistic understanding of their dream jobs.
Not only will the girls get a sense of these institutions’ work environments, but they will also be able to voice their concerns, give recommendations, and request interventions based on their experiences, Kimthan added.
“We’ve been organising girl takeovers for a decade,” he said. “The roles have ranged from the ambassador of Sweden, ambassador of India, Banteay Srei district governor, country director, to programme managers of Plan, director of media and communications, and information director at CNC TV”.
Kimthan also announced that this year, fifteen girls will be chosen as part of the International Day of the Girl Child celebrations on October 11.
“The Girls Takeover programme has attracted interest from development partners and some private institutions. We expect to run it throughout the fiscal year 2024 [July 2023 to June 2024],” he said.
Lao Udom Sokun, a participant from Stung Treng province who filled in as CNC TV press director in 2022, attests to the programme’s benefits.
She said it expanded her understanding of the information sector, motivating her to move to Phnom Penh to pursue a career in journalism.
Thorn Chethany, also from Stung Treng province, took over the role of Gwynneth Wong, Country Director of Plan International Cambodia. Reflecting on her experience, she said it helped her understand various work processes, set personal goals, and develop a clear vision of her future.
“Ever since I was a child, I’ve loved participating in social activities,” Chethany said.
“Currently, I volunteer for a civil society organisation promoting children’s rights and gender equality. I hope to contribute significantly to children’s rights, gender, and youth training development in our country in the future,” she said.
