Plan International Nigeria has announced the call for applications for the Girls Take Over 4.0 program, which will run from October 2025 to October 2026. The initiative is part of the #StandWithGirls campaign and will mark the International Day of the Girl Child by giving young girls the chance to step into leadership positions, challenge stereotypes, and inspire social change.
According to the organizers, the program is designed to address the fact that “too often, girls are excluded from education, protection, and leadership simply because of their gender.” The Girls Take Over initiative aims to empower girls, amplify their voices, and promote gender equality across Nigeria.
Eligibility is open to girls between the ages of 15 and 24 at the time of application. Applicants must be Nigerians residing in either Abuja or Lagos, show interest and commitment to gender equality, and can come from any background or ability. The organization noted that it especially encourages girls from rural and marginalized communities to apply.
The application process requires details such as full name, email address, phone number, date of birth, and state of residence. Applicants are also asked if they have any form of disability and the type of assistance they may need during the takeover event. Other questions include why they want to take part in Girls Take Over, what they hope to learn from taking over a leadership role for a day, and why they believe gender equality is important.
Participants will also be required to write a speech directed at the government about the importance of girl empowerment in areas such as education, skill acquisition, and mentorship. Another task involves explaining what they could create to make life easier for girls in their communities.
Plan International stated that interested applicants should send their applications to Nigeria.Partnership@plan-international.org with the subject line “Application for Plan International Nigeria’s Girl Take Over Event.” The closing date for applications is Monday, 29th September 2025.