Several diplomatic missions in India on Tuesday reaffirmed their countries’ strong commitment to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, and the advancement of their human rights.
On Wednesday, these missions will come together to mark the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC) through a range of actions encouraging greater opportunities for girls.
The diplomatic missions include: Australian High Commission, Embassy of the Kingdom of Belgium, British High Commission, High Commission of Canada, Embassy of Denmark, Embassy of Chile, Embassy of Colombia, Embassy of the Czech Republic, Embassy of Ecuador, Delegation of the European Union, Embassy of Finland, Embassy of France, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Embassy of Greece, Embassy of Ireland, Embassy of the Republic of Latvia, Embassy of Lithuania, Embassy of the Grand-duchy of Luxembourg, Embassy of Mexico, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, New Zealand High Commission, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Embassy of Poland, Embassy of the Slovak Republic, Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia, South African High Commission, Embassy of Spain, Embassy of Sweden, Embassy of Switzerland and Embassy of the United States of America.
According to a press release issued by the High Commission of Canada, the activities will include interactions with students at academic institutions, distribution of IDGC activity guides to schools, illumination of office buildings as well as the organisation of “Girls’ Takeovers”.
With the support of Plan India, a child rights organisation which strives to advance children’s rights and equality for girls, the ‘takeover’ will provide an opportunity for young women of different backgrounds to interact directly with Ambassadors and High Commissioners and take on their role for a short time, followed by a large gathering to exchange experiences and discuss girls’ empowerment.