Three South Sudanese teenage girls on Wednesday stepped into the shoes of the British Ambassador to South Sudan, Guy Warrington, as part of a global campaign to empower girls and highlight their role in society.
The symbolic takeover of the British Embassy in Juba coincided with the International Day of the Girl.
Tasia Scovia Cinderella, one of the three young ambassadors for a day, seized the opportunity to call on the government to provide free education for girls, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“What I would tell the policymakers is that at least free education should be provided to girls; that is the best thing and, at least, it will also help those girls who are unable to afford schooling,” Scovia emphasized.
Additionally, Scovia emphasized the significance of increasing the recruitment of female teachers in schools as role models to motivate young girls to prioritize their education. She stated, “More female teachers should be recruited in schools so that it will influence other girls who have the mindset of dropping out of school. Some argue that continuing their education will lead to nothing.”
Diko Janet Issac, who also assumed the symbolic role of British Ambassador for a day, passionately advocated for girls’ rights and the need for change. “I look at peace as a stage where I, as a girl, can move in the evening without having to think about the harm that will happen to me. I also look at peace in a room where me and my brother are in the same class without being told that I am not supposed to be in the class but at home,” Janet expressed. She emphasized the protection of every girl’s rights and their access to the opportunities they deserve, making the protection of girls her top priority.
Meanwhile, Elizabeth Thoura Manyiel underscored the importance of promoting gender equality among both girls and boys. “Actually, it has been an important day for all of us, especially the girls, and we are so glad that we have a room where we are also important in society. The important part of today is that gender equality between both boys and girls should be promoted, and we request the Ministry of General Education to construct more schools to improve learning,” Thoura emphasized.
Guy Warrington, the British Ambassador to South Sudan, explained that the event was designed to engage young girls in discussions about decisions that affect them, their families, and communities, with the goal of finding ways to assist them.
“The whole purpose of today was not just so they can have a great day being ambassadors, but we want to have a dialogue with young girls here in South Sudan and learn from them because I am not a person to decide what the needs of young women in South Sudan are. The girls are experts on their own lives,” he noted.
This initiative is part of the global campaign by girls’ rights organization Plan International, which supports girls and young women worldwide to take on leadership roles in politics, businesses, and other institutions. These “takeover” events aim to amplify the voices of girls in their quest for gender equality and explore ways to enhance support and resources for girls while addressing the broader concerns and issues that impact their lives.