To observe the International Day of the Girl on October 11, two girls as change-makers from Odisha will take over the Embassies of Israel and of Slovenia in New Delhi. The girls a part of a 17 member-team from 10 States will step into the shoes of Ambassadors and High Commissioners of 17 countries to send a strong message of equality, freedom and power for girls and young women to celebrate the day. Ranimani (18) from Keonjhar district will take over Israel Embassy. She will symbolically take over the office of Maya Kadosh, Charge d'Affairs at the Embassy of Israel and would actively shadow her and take on her roles for a day which includes chairing meetings and engaging with key staffs. Speaking on the takeover Ranimani said, “I am very happy that I got this opportunity to take the position of Deputy Chief of Mission over Israel’s Embassy.”
Mayurbhanj district’s 19-year-old Banita will take over Slovenian Embassy in New Delhi. Banita will shadow Jaka Miklavcic, Ambassador, Embassy of Slovenia in India. Banita is a trained Auxiliary Nurse Midwife with a special interest in mother and child healthcare.
Through her work, she wants to reduce maternal and child mortality rate in her area.
Banita has faced several challenges to attain even her primary education but she has been determined enough to complete her education.
Commenting on her new role Banita said, “I would like to tell all girls back home that determination, willpower and hard work is key to success.”
The symbolic takeover has been organised by Plan India, in collaboration with the Delegation of the European Union to India, along with 16 Diplomatic Missions in New Delhi including Australia, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Israel, Germany, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States of America.