The Global children’s charity, Plan International, on Tuesday organized a girls-led round table discussion to address issues affecting girls in the community.
The one-day discussion brought together 15 girls from the 10 states and the 3 administrative areas to prepare them to participate in a mock takeover of leadership roles in politics and business ahead of the celebration of the 11th U.N. International Day of the Girl Child.
The meeting also served as a platform to provide feedback on issues brought up by girls to key stakeholders, policymakers, NGO representatives, donors, and other influential actors.
Speaking during the opening of a roundtable discussion in Juba, Mohammed Kamal, the Country Director of Plan International South Sudan, said the workshop shed light on issues and opportunities for young girls.
“This is a special day for us at Plan International South Sudan, which we do every year, not just to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, but most importantly to shed light on the issues and also opportunities that young girls do have in South Sudan,” he said. “The theme of this year is a special one, it is about a vision for South Sudanese girls, and from my perspective, vision is about a dream. When we were children, our mothers, fathers, and mentors used to tell us if we like to dream, dream big, and engage our imagination.”
“Girls of South Sudan, dream big, you are the present and future of this country, and you will make it, when you dream big, you should start walking towards your dream because it is a long journey and you should believe in yourself that you can make it,” Kamal advised.
For her part, Minam Okech, Deputy Director for Child Welfare in the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, said her ministry has started mentoring young people to prepare them to take over the country’s leadership.
“This conference is very important for you, our girls. You know as a ministry our work is to mentor you, to help you take up leadership of this country. As a ministry, we are going to do a lot of policy to help young girls with social needs so that you know your responsibilities,” she stated. “We do not want you to listen from our mouth, you have to take our responsibility. This conference is very important because you are going to have your colleagues from different states and you have to know yourselves and make friendships among yourselves.”