Girls must enjoy the right to decide for themselves to inspire and empower young women and girls’ leadership enabling them to become active citizens, said speakers on Monday at Girls Summit 2022-Dhaka, in Gazipur.

International development organisation Plan International Bangladesh organised a three-day girls' summit in Gazipur at a residential space.

The objective is to train young girls in leadership and knowledge management and educate them about their body rights, civic rights, and capacitate them in planning effective campaigns in their communities.

Meher Afroz Chumki, MP, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, virtually inaugurated the summit.

She shared that girls and young women are reaching new heights every day with their creativity and resilience.

“Thanks to our Prime Minister’s dynamic leadership, we have successfully reduced child marriage and increased women’s participation in various economic activities,” Chumki said.

She also appreciated Plan International Bangladesh and Youth Engagement for Sustainability, Bangladesh for organizing this summit.

Md Azharul Islam Khan, Director General of Ministry of Youth and Sports, addressed the opening session as the chief guest.

“I am here today because it is my responsibility to empower girls and young women like you. Leadership does not have any gender, and anyone with skill and experience deserves to be a leader,” he said, adding that he is committed to supporting similar youth-led initiatives for gender equality.

 

Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh said leaders of tomorrow should adopt an eagle’s eye view of future challenges.

Being confined to a limited worldview will curb your potential as leaders. This is why, we at Plan International Bangladesh, want you to explore the vast world of opportunities available and live up to your full potential”.

She also mentioned that the Girls’ Summit is a flagship event that is celebrated in more than 80 countries worldwide by Plan International, with the aim of enhancing girls’ leadership skills.

Wahida Banu, Executive Director of Aparajeyo Bangladesh, Farha Farin, Project Officer of Bandhu Social Welfare Society, and Aparna Barma, Director of HR & OD of Plan International Bangladesh also spoke at the event.

Around 70 girls and young women within 15 to 24 years from all over Dhaka have come together in this event to build leadership skills through equal power and become active citizens of this ever-changing world.