"Overall it's important to send the message of the importance of gender equality and the importance of ensuring that both girls and boys have equal opportunities to succeed," Dutton said at the "Girls Takeover" campaign here on Thursday (10/2).
The campaign was held to celebrate International Day of the Girl Child, which falls on October 11.
The campaign was organized by the Canadian Embassy in Jakarta, together with Plan International Indonesia and supported by UN Women, UNFPA, and the Embassies of Norway, Sweden, and Australia.
In the campaign, 12 students aged 15–21 had the opportunity to take over the role of ambassadors and other important positions in UN organizations and Plan Indonesia for one day. Dutton explained that this campaign gave the girls the opportunity to gain experience, responsibility and perspective from the roles they were playing.
"Girls Takeover" also aims to provide mentoring, learning, and emphasize that equal opportunities apply to all, regardless of their gender.
"Girls Takeover" conveys the main message that both girls and boys have equal opportunities to succeed in the jobs and positions they dream of.
Dutton added that societies will only reach their full potential when both boys and girls have equal opportunities. He noted that men also have a very important role to play as champions and supporters because gender equality is not a woman's issue, it's a societal issue and will only make real progress, if men are actively engaged.
One of the "Girls Takeover" participants, Chloe, who took over the role of the Canadian Ambassador for a day, said that it was a very eye-opening experience.
"It was very valuable and it's such a privilege for me as a student to actually see what's a very multi-level, multi-sector discussion," she said.
Meanwhile, Plan Indonesia Director Dini Widiastuti explained that the "Girls Takeover" is a global campaign that has been held in 80 countries. In many countries, this activity is carried out in October to coincide with the commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child.
The aim of this campaign, Widiastuti said, is to provide opportunities for girls to learn leadership and at the same time to spread the belief to other girls that they too are capable of taking on important roles.
"So, their peers will think that, oh, if they can do it, I can do it. So, to give confidence that, yes, they can do it as well," she said.
Related news: Indonesia affirms commitment on gender equality at 69th CSW New York
Related news: Gender equality is key to realizing Golden Indonesia 2045: ministry
Translator: Katriana
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
