Ms. Carol Mortensen, Country Director of Plan International Laos

The annual ‘Girls Takeover’, part of Plan International’s global campaign for the International Day of the Girl, gave participants the unique opportunity to shadow and assume the roles of senior leaders across Laos’ development and non-profit sectors.

Held in collaboration with several key civil society organisations—Plan International Laos, the Community Health & Inclusion Association (CHAIs), the Gender Development Association (GDA), the Promotion of Family Health Association (PFHA), and the Women with Disability Association (WWDA)—the initiative demonstrated a unified commitment to advancing gender equality.

Ten girls took part in the ‘Girls Takeover’ programme.

 “The Girls Takeover initiative is more than a symbolic gesture; it is a powerful commitment to equal power and representation,” said Ms. Carol Mortensen, Country Director of Plan International Laos. “By supporting these girls and young women to step into leadership roles, we are not just preparing the future, we are re-imagining the present. The enthusiasm and insight each participant brought to these roles, and their insightful questions, was truly inspiring.”

This year’s takeover focused on the urgent theme of ‘End Child Marriage’, and marked the culmination of months of mentorship and preparation. While the leadership experience lasted just half a day, the foundation built beforehand made it a truly transformative moment for participants.

The initiative specifically aims to challenge gender stereotypes and raise the visibility of girls in decision-making spaces where they are often under-represented. By bridging the gap between academic learning and real-world application, the programme allowed participants to gain vital knowledge and skills rarely found in a classroom setting.

During the takeover, the young women were challenged to analyse policy, articulate their views in high-level meetings and propose solutions to complex social issues. These immersive experiences provided more than just a glimpse into leadership—they offered a platform for impact.

One participant, Sangsoulee Phaiboun, reflected on her experience: “If I were a leader, I would put an end to early marriage by strengthening the enforcement of the law. This experience showed me that our voices can lead to real change.”

Throughout the programme, participants developed hands-on experience in public speaking, advocacy, negotiation, and strategic leadership. More than just a training exercise, the initiative offered a rare opportunity for the voices and perspectives of young women to be heard directly by senior leaders—demystifying the corridors of power and empowering a new generation of change-makers.

KPL