The Swedish embassy in Hanoi has joined Plan International Vietnam in the journey of encouraging and empowering girls to take the lead in a country where gender equality is still a major problem.
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam from Ambassador Ann Måwe (L) and Phuong Anh sign a ceremonial agreement at the ambassador's office. Photo: Plan International
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The activity was aimed to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child (October 11) by the United Nations. This day aims at promoting girls’ empowerment and the fulfilment of their rights. The Swedish government is committed to join Plan International's Girls Takeover series in all the countries it has diplomatic representation.
Sweden is the world’s first country to launch a feminist foreign policy to promote gender equality and all women’s and girls’ full enjoyment of human rights. The Swedish embassy is the first one in Vietnam to participate in Girls Takeover series, showing its commitment to promote gender equality and girls’ rights movement.
Plan International, a leading girls’ rights organization, has advocating the UN to carry out that date and run the Girls Takeover series globally. In Vietnam, around 520 girls across the country have taken over the roles of leaders in their communities since 2016 through Girls Takeover series.
Phuong Anh, who started her university career at the University of Transportation in Hanoi, has become an activist and represents Plan International Vietnam in several events.
Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam from Ambassador Ann Måwe and Phuong Anh at the press meeting. Photo: Plan International
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“Today, I am thrilled and inspired to be with Phuong Anh, a Vietnamese strong girl, and be part of Girls Takeover, which is happening in Vietnam and globally this month to challenge gender stereotype and tear down barriers of discrimination that hold girls back. Let’s join hands to take actions so that all Vietnamese girls can get the chance to learn, lead, decide and thrive,” said the ambassador.
