As South Sudan joins the global community in commemorating the International Day of the Girl, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and Plan International are championing girls’ leadership through the Girls Takeover initiative. This initiative gives adolescent girls opportunities to step into leadership roles, fostering their empowerment and health. The International Day of the Girl is celebrated annually on October 11, and this year's commemoration is marked by a significant takeover event.
As part of the initiative, Mary Abuk took over the leadership as the head of the Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) Unit at UNFPA South Sudan on Wednesday, October 7. During her tenure, Abuk gained experience in institutional leadership and engaged with stakeholders advancing girls’ health and rights. This hands-on experience is crucial in equipping girls with the skills and confidence needed for leadership roles.
Following her takeover, Abuk visited Juba College of Nursing and Midwifery, where she met management, staff, and students to discuss the role of nurses and midwives in providing adolescent-friendly SRHR services. The visit highlighted the importance of collaboration between healthcare providers and educational institutions in promoting girls' health and well-being. Abuk's interactions with the students and staff emphasized the need for stronger support systems for adolescent girls.
Deputy Principal Siama Abudalla Ladu welcomed the initiative, stating that UNFPA has been a main partner in maintaining the school. Ladu emphasized that the Girls Takeover initiative provides an opportunity to highlight challenges facing adolescent girls, including social and economic barriers that hinder their development. She also stressed the critical role of nurses and midwives in delivering youth-friendly services and preparing health workers to respond to girls’ needs.
Mary Abuk expressed her honor in taking over the SRHR leadership role, calling the experience an opportunity to highlight girls’ rights and potential. She noted that many girls continue to face significant challenges, including early marriage and pregnancy, which can have devastating consequences on their health and well-being. Abuk praised female health professionals and students for choosing careers that serve communities and encouraged them to remain committed to their passion despite discouragement.
The engagement highlighted the importance of investing in girls’ leadership, education, and health while strengthening their participation in decisions affecting their lives and communities across South Sudan. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive and healthier future for girls, where they can thrive and reach their full potential. By empowering girls, UNFPA and Plan International are contributing to the country's development and progress.
The Girls Takeover initiative serves as a reminder of the need for collective action to address the challenges facing adolescent girls in South Sudan. By working together, stakeholders can create a supportive environment that allows girls to take on leadership roles and make informed decisions about their lives. This collaborative effort is crucial in promoting a brighter future for girls in South Sudan.
Key points
- UNFPA and Plan International empower girls' leadership in South Sudan through the Girls Takeover initiative.
- The initiative aims to create a more inclusive and healthier future for girls in South Sudan.
- Mary Abuk took over the leadership of the SRHR Unit at UNFPA South Sudan, gaining experience in institutional leadership and engaging with stakeholders.
