By A Staff Reporter
Kathmandu, Oct. 7: A total of 62 teenage girls from around the country are taking over the role of the heads, deputy heads and ward chairpersons of the local bodies for a day, as a part of a campaign to promote girls’ rights in the country.
These teenage girls are taking part in Plan International Nepal’s ‘Girls Takeover’ campaign, which allows teenage girls from across the country to step into the shoes of leaders in politics and other sectors for a day.
The swap was initiated on the occasion of the International Day of the Girl Child, which is celebrated on October 11 this year under the theme, “My Voice, Our Equal Future”.

Plan International Nepal in coordination with various municipalities and non-governmental organisations are organising the campaign. Under the campaign, 62 teenage girls will take over various roles in 31 municipalities of seven districts. The campaign kicked off on Tuesday and will be concluded on October 11.
During this swap, these girls would get an opportunity to be inspired by what adolescent girls see as the change they want and the solution they are seeking, said Shreejana Bajracharya, campaign specialist of Plan International Nepal.

“They would campaign to make the internet safe for girls,” she said, adding “During their take over, these teenage girls will discuss the real life consequences of misinformation and disinformation on girls and young women. They would call on governments to educate children and young people in digital literacy, she added.
Earlier, Plan International conducted research on how misinformation and disinformation online affect the lives, learning and leadership of girls and women.

The campaign was created by Plan International in collaboration with youth activists around the world. It aims to ensure girls and young women, in all their diversity, have equal power over their own lives, which in turn can shape the world around them.
Anu Rawat, 18, of Banke, who is taking over the role of the head of women and girls division at Baijnath Rural Municipality of the district, said, “I am very happy to get this opportunity. I would like to make my rural municipality accountable to make the internet safe for girls.”

Like Rawat, Sumitra Acchammi, 18, of Sindhuli, is taking over the role of ward chairperson of Golanjar Rural Municipality-7.
She shared that during her takeover, she aimed to hold discussions with the local representatives to find out the ways to tackle misinformation and disinformation on the internet. “I will make my locality free of violence against women and children.”

Prasen Khati, Director of Plan International Nepal, said, “This is an important opportunity for girls and adolescents. They will be motivated to be a part of the campaign.”
"We are working to make the internet safe for teenage girls and ensure that no teenager gets subjected to abuse or violence while staying online," he added.