At the UNICEF office in Islamabad, 19-year-old Maleeha Nadir stepped into the role of UNICEF Gender Specialist Fahmida Iqbal for a day as part of a Girls Takeover, an initiative designed to amplify girls’ voices in decision making.
Maleeha led team discussions, engaged staff across different sections and shared a clear vision for girls’ empowerment. Her contributions included thoughtful insights on the key issues facing adolescent girls in Pakistan and practical ideas to strengthen leadership pathways.
She was joined by fellow Girl Guide Haida Kashif and PGGA Programme Secretary Ramsha Alam during the event, which was organised in collaboration with UN Women Pakistan and the Pakistan Girl Guides Association National Headquarters (PGGA).
The Girls Takeover underscored the importance of advancing gender equality as a foundation for progress for every child. Participants highlighted how empowering girls supports expanded access to education, improved child nutrition, stronger health and protection, and broader opportunities for girls to fulfil their potential.
By creating space for young leaders to lead discussions and influence programming, the initiative reflects a commitment to strengthen girls’ leadership in Pakistan and ensure their perspectives shape policies and services that affect their futures.
