Plan Int'l Bangladesh observes Girl Child Day

The Bangladesh chapter of Plan International, a development organisation, is observing the International Day for Girl Child through its global movement  #GirlsTakeover, said a press release.

In its third edition, thousands of girls from 60 countries are staging "takeovers" and demanding equality, by taking on the roles of presidents, mayors, head teachers, business leaders, CEOs and more for a day.

Country Manager (Bangladesh, Nepal and Bhutan) of International Finance Corporation (IFC); mayor of Barguna municipality; president of Patuakhali Chamber of Commerce and a Union Parishad xhairperson of Bhola stepped aside to support girls to take charge for a day.

Lota, who stepped into the role of the IFC country manager, said, “If given equal opportunities, girls can achieve just as much as boys.”

Wendy Werner, the country manager for IFC, committed to creating opportunities for girls and women in Bangladesh and around the world.

In Patuakhali, Tasnim, acting as president of the local Chamber of Commerce for a day, discussed how its board of directors can support youth and women entrepreneurs. The organisation's president Mohammad Mohiuddin meanwhile pledged to inspire women entrepreneurs in Patuakahli.

In Bhola, Sumaiya stepped into the role of Union Parishad chairman, and drafted a resolution to stop child marriage and sexual harassment and presided over a meeting of the sexual harassment prevention committee.

Meanwhile, Aznova took over the role of Barguna municipality mayor and urged councillors and civil society representatives to create a safer city for girls.

The mayor, Mohammad Shahadat Hossain, also pledged to prevent sexual harassment and child marriage in Barguna.

Orla Murphy, country director of Plan International Bangladesh, said through the campaign, the organisation is asking governments to take action to end violence, discrimination and injustice against girls and women.