Speaking up about what they want

During the program, three female students, L.N. Thao, V.T.K. Phuong and H.T.K. Tuyen, were respectively given the roles of leader of Yen Minh commune, Principal of Lao Va Chai Semi-boarding Primary and Lower Secondary School, and Head of Chi Sang village. More than a role-playing activity, the program encouraged each student to put herself in the position of a decision-maker and consider what she would do for children, particularly girls, if she actually held that position.

The empowerment ceremony at the program. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

In the role of principal, Phuong said the first thing she would like to do is create more opportunities for students to exercise, play and participate in sports, especially girls. According to Phuong, students spend a great deal of time studying, while many also have to help their families after returning home, leaving them with few opportunities to play together. A football match, a running session or a group game can not only help students stay healthy but also reduce stress, build confidence and strengthen their bonds with friends.

If she were the principal, Phuong would like students to be consulted when the school develops and organizes activities; to be able to choose the sports they enjoy, propose ways to organize recreational spaces and express the support they actually need.

In particular, girls should not only participate but also have opportunities to lead sports activities, serve as team captains, organize clubs and help develop rules for recreational spaces. In her view, sports are not only for the strongest or most skilled students but for everyone.

L.N. Thao, in the role of commune leader, shares her wish for more spaces for children to play and exercise and for greater attention to their mental health. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

On a broader level, Thao, in the role of commune leader, said she would like the local authorities to pay greater attention to spaces for children to play and exercise and to their mental health. Based on her observations, not every village has a suitable playground; some children want to play sports but lack space, equipment or guidance. Some girls are also hesitant to participate because they fear being judged or because they believe certain sports are only for boys.

If given the role of commune leader, Thao proposed incorporating children's needs for play, physical activity and mental health care into local development plans. Before building or renovating playgrounds, authorities should assess needs at each school and in each village, and directly ask children what they need, what activities they want to participate in and what difficulties they face in accessing sports activities.

Thao also said she hopes children's voices will not only be heard but also receive a response. Children need to know which proposals have been accepted, which cannot yet be implemented and why.

H.T.K. Tuyen confidently shares her views after being given the role of Head of Chi Sang village. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Meanwhile, when Tuyen was given the role of Head of Chi Sang village, she began with a very simple question for parents: besides asking their children how they are doing at school, do adults spend time asking whether they are happy, worried about anything or have any wishes?

According to Tuyen, every parent wants their children to study well, stay healthy and have a good future. However, because adults are busy, they may not always have much time to play or talk with their children. Simple activities such as taking a walk together, playing football or joining in a game can create opportunities for children to share things that may be difficult to express in other circumstances.

In the role of village head, Tuyen hopes families will spend more time exercising, playing and talking with their children; create equal opportunities for both boys and girls to participate in sports and community activities; and share household responsibilities appropriately so that girls are not deprived of opportunities to participate. She also proposed that the community create more spaces where children can give their views on playgrounds, mental health, safety and other issues that directly affect them.

Empowering children to speak up with confidence

According to Hoang Van Huy, a project officer at Plan International, the Girls Takeover activity was organized in preparation for the International Day of the Girl on October 11. The program focuses on creating conditions for girls to attend school. Annual communication activities are carried out under various themes, including child marriage, consanguineous marriage, injury prevention and online safety.

Through Girls Takeover, children are given the opportunity to try out positions normally held by adults and then directly present their thoughts and proposals. Through the activity, adults can gain a better understanding of children's expectations and wishes “through children's eyes.” These views are not intended for children to “take over” adults' responsibilities, but rather provide a way for children to express what matters to them, while giving schools, families and local authorities an additional perspective when developing activities for children.

Nguyen Thi Phuong Lien, Principal of Lao Va Chai Semi-boarding Primary and Lower Secondary School, conducts the ceremony handing over the principal role to Va Thi Kim Phuong. (Photo: Dinh Hoa)

Nguyen Thi Phuong Lien, Principal of Lao Va Chai Semi-boarding Primary and Lower Secondary School, said that through activities such as Girls Takeover, she hopes girls in mountainous areas will become more confident, while also understanding the responsibilities and duties involved in holding a leadership position.

After more than 10 years of accompanying the project's activities, she has seen clear changes among students. While many children in disadvantaged areas were previously shy and hesitant, they are now more proactive in their awareness, actions and ability to express themselves.

She said she was moved when she heard a female student from the school take on the role of principal, share her thoughts and aspirations, and talk about what she would do for students if she were actually in a leadership position. According to her, the matters within the school's authority will be addressed as much as possible so that students, particularly those facing difficult circumstances, have more opportunities to learn, gain experience and demonstrate their abilities.

The day of being a leader will eventually come to an end, but what remains is the confidence for girls to raise their voices, actively participate in issues that affect them and believe that their opinions are heard and respected. This is also the value that empowerment activities continually seek to promote.

Replicate Girls Club Model to Equip Ethnic Minority Female Students with Life Skills

Scaling Up Violence Prevention and Response Model for Women and Girls in Ha Tinh