Shital, a second-year Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) student in Dhaka, symbolically took over the role of Professor ABM Obaidul Islam, vice-chancellor of University of Dhaka, for a day on Sunday 11 October.
In celebration of the International Day of the Girl Child on 11 October, Plan International Bangladesh is bringing girls to the forefront through a series of Girls Take Over events, read a press release.
As part of Plan International’s global campaign, adolescent girls symbolically step into leadership roles across embassies, government offices, development agencies and private institutions, breaking barriers and redefining what leadership looks like.
Her symbolic takeover highlighted the importance of enabling girls to continue their education, build confidence and access opportunities to lead.
Championing rights and education
Through her work with Plan International Bangladesh and other youth and community initiatives, Shital has championed girls’ education and efforts to end child marriage.
All around the world, girls are leading change on the frontlines of crisis, standing up against child marriage, demanding protection from violence and speaking out for equality.
This year’s campaign message, “End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights”, calls for action to protect girls’ childhoods and expand their opportunities.
In Bangladesh, the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs has set the 2026 theme for International and National Day of the Girl as “No more child marriage, girls will conquer the world.”
In line with these priorities, Plan International identifies child marriage as one of the greatest barriers to girls’ rights and equality.
This year’s global campaign puts a spotlight on girls’ voices and aspirations, emphasising their right to participate in decisions that affect their lives.
Shital said, “Education has no alternative and the time we have now is our most valuable asset. I will carry Sir’s advice and learnings with me. Today, I feel even more determined to complete my education and achieve my dreams.”
Through Plan International Bangladesh’s programmes and other youth and community initiatives, Shital has taken part in awareness-raising activities on preventing child marriage, girls’ education, health and hygiene, and the rights and safety of women and girls.
Recognising how financial hardship, social pressure and climate-related challenges can limit girls’ opportunities, Shital noted that training in life skills and green skills, alongside other training opportunities for young people, has strengthened her confidence and ability to communicate with others.
She also wants to encourage girls to speak about the challenges they face and seek support when they need it.
Investing in girls’ future
Speaking on the occasion, Professor Dr ABM Obaidul Islam, vice-chancellor of the University of Dhaka, said: “We must keep the doors to education open so that every girl, like Shital, can pursue her dreams.
“We must listen to girls and give them opportunities to participate in decision-making and leadership. Investing in girls’ education and rights is the foundation of a more equal future.”
As part of the takeover activities, Shital participated in discussions at the University of Dhaka and spoke about violations of children’s rights and the harmful impact of child marriage.
She emphasised the importance of women’s leadership in building a society rooted in freedom, safety and equality. Shital wants to help create a future where girls can continue their education, make informed decisions about their lives, and live free from child marriage and discrimination.
This year, multiple Girls Take Over events have been organised at the national level, with adolescent girls symbolically stepping into leadership roles in government offices, diplomatic missions and private institutions.
These initiatives amplify the aspirations of girls who want to learn, lead and shape their own futures, reflecting Plan International Bangladesh’s goal, “All girls standing strong, creating global change.”
