Plan International has announced the appointment of First Lady Monica Chakwera as ambassador for its Global Girls Foundation (GGF) to advance efforts towards gender equality.
GGF managing director Lea Bachmann said in a statement that girls have the right to be heard and to lead change in their respective communities.
ambassador | courtesy of plan international
“Hence, Madamme Chakwera’s leadership will help to advance the fight for gender equality, ensuring girls are at the centre of decision-making processes that shape their futures,” she said in a statement released by Plan International yesterday.
The announcement was earlier made on Sunday at a special event in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on the sidelines of the African Union Heads of State and Government Summit.
The summit gathered African leaders and development partners who discussed, among other issues, the urgent challenges affecting girls and young women on the continent.
Plan International said apart from advocating for girls’ rights, education and leadership across the continent, in her role, the First Lady will also strengthen efforts to break down systematic barriers that prevent girls from reaching their full potential.
The statement quoted Chakwera as having said that across Africa and around the world, girls continue to face challenges in accessing education, economic opportunities and protection from harmful practices.
She said: “It is our collective responsibility to ensure that every girl has the opportunity to thrive, lead, and shape her own future. I am, therefore, deeply honoured to take on this role as a GGF ambassador.”
Chakwera, who was attending the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development Summit, has been championing initiatives that enhance access to quality education, healthcare, and economic empowerment opportunities for young women.
GGF is an independent philanthropic foundation that supports efforts to advance girls’ rights globally, which was created by Plan International to support its mission.
