PLAN International Tanzania has launched a three-year campaign aimed at driving social and leadership change to remove barriers, discrimination and harmful stereotypes that prevent girls from achieving their dreams.

Jane Sembuche, the NGO’s country director, announced the 'GirlsTakeover' campaign at a press conference in Dar es Salaam yesterday, saying it is intended to involve over 3,000 girls across the country.

The initiative showcases the abilities and power of girls by providing them with opportunities to assume leadership roles, thereby helping them to become more confident and aspire to be future leaders, she stated.

“Around the world, hundreds of girls from various countries will take on prominent leadership roles to amplify their voices regarding their essential needs and demand equal opportunities in leadership, autonomy and representation,” she elaborated.

She pointed at key challenges facing girls, including child marriage, which robs them of their childhood, education and future opportunities, as such unions perpetuate cycles of poverty and inequality.

“We must implement laws that prohibit child marriage, raise awareness about its harmful effects and provide support to families to prevent it,” she declared, pointing at the need to similarly address is educational inequality.

Many girls are denied access to education due to financial constraints, cultural obstacles and inadequate infrastructure, she stated, stressing the need to ensure that every girl has access to inclusive, high-quality education by building more schools and creating safe learning environments.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) is another significant issue impacting girls’ health, well-being and potential for success, she said, underlining the need to strengthen laws against GBV, provide support services for victims and educate communities to change harmful attitudes and behaviours.

The government needs to implement policies that support the campaign's goals in addressing these challenges, she said, affirming that on this year's International Day of the Girl, hundreds of girls from over 60 countries will lead a historic campaign to assume leadership positions.

 “This is not only a unique opportunity for girls to learn but also a way to build their confidence in their abilities. As they take on leadership roles, they gain essential skills that will aid them in their future careers and foster a mindset that they can achieve their aspirations,” the activist affirmed.

By providing leadership opportunities, the campaigners seek to bridge the gap between girls' dreams and opportunities available to them, with a view that it is time to unite and challenge the stereotypes that limit girls.

“We need to demand more opportunities so that every girl can become what she aspires to be. The world needs to see the immense potential that arises from opening doors for girls to showcase their abilities,” the leader campaigner asserted.

Mariam Surve, a beneficiary of the campaign from Lugalo College of Health, shared the view that the programme has been an inspiration, with girls becoming more confident of achieving their goals in life, in the wake of this initiative.

“We call upon stakeholders to join us, as what we lack is the guidance and leadership to show us the way,” she added.