By Madrama James
On Thursday, young girls took over the office of France’s ambassador to South Sudan, sending a strong message about gender equality and youth empowerment. Organized by Plan International and its partners, the event was part of the “Girls in Charge” initiative, with Ambassador Christian Bader stepping aside for the day to let the girls assume his role.
During the event, Mary Anger, the symbolic ambassador for the day, encouraged girls to take on leadership roles and exercise their skills in various fields. The takeover aimed to provide a platform for the girls to voice their ideas and concerns about the issues affecting their lives.
Mary Anger, the Symbolic Ambassador for the day, is chairing a meeting. (Photo Credit. Madrama James, King News)
“The position that I came to take over is the ambassador of the French Embassy. One of the things that I’ve learned from here is that we as girls, are not limited to doing anything. We can do anything that men do. And one of the things that I’ve also learned is that girls can exercise their leadership skills in any area.”
In an exclusive interview with King News, Linda Nyok, a representative from Abyei Administrative Area, echoed her feelings and takeaway points during this unprecedented symbolic takeover.
Linda Nyok, the symbolic ambassador for the day in Juba. (Photo Credit. Madrama James, King News)
“What I’ve I have learned about the role of the embassy of French in South Sudan is to protect the citizens of France in this country and to report all their problems and challenges to their government back home. It was interesting to know because I didn’t even know about the role of the embassy in South Sudan. I thought maybe it is about public relationships like connecting business, trade, all that stuff and I’m so excited.”
However, Linda, is encouraging girls to believe in themselves despite the barriers they face as young females in society.
Mary Anger, a representative from Abyei Administrative Area. (Photo Credit. Madrama James, King News)
“My message is to all girls, believe in yourself, and know you can do much better. And what a man can do, a woman can do. So, to be an ambassador is not meant for men alone, even a girl can be an ambassador.”
According to research, Girls have proven themselves in many fields and sectors due to their work and dedication towards their family and parents.
This symbolic takeover aimed to highlight the challenges young girls face in achieving their full potential in a country that often sidelines their voices.
Meanwhile, France’s ambassador to South Sudan, Ambassador Christian Bader, reminded the young girls to be decisive in aspects of their lives.
France Ambassador to South Sudan, Ambassador Christian Bader, speaking during the Girl’s Take Over. (Photo Credit. Madrama James, King News)
“Don’t really, let other people having a vision for you. You have to decide according to individual wishes and according to your own culture. And this is the way I would like to approach it. It’s not like we do have universal values, but there is a way to live within these values, which might be different countries in the world and culture. And it’s my wish to see that in this country, at the end of the day, we will be able to use the immense resources of this country. And among the immense resources are of course the people you have women and girls.”
Similar event (Symbolic takeover) happened in six different embassies, United Nations agencies and at the Ministry of Gender, child and social welfare office in Juba.
Annually on 11 October, International Day of the Girl is a key global moment on which to celebrate girls everywhere, amplifying their voices, actions, and leadership. It is a day that belongs to everyone who cares about girls and their rights.
The 2024 International Day of the Girl resonates with the South Sudan theme, “Vision for the Future” It conveys both the need for urgent action and persistent hope, driven by the powers of girls’ voices and vision for the future.