PESHAWAR: Adolescent girls in Peshawar are emerging as leaders in promoting climate action and child protection, as highlighted in a one-day event on Thursday.
Titled “Roots & Rights: Adolescent Girls as Agents of Change for Climate and Child Protection” the event was held at the University Model School for Girls.
Organized by the Directorate of Social Welfare (Merged Areas) in collaboration with the University of Peshawar and UNICEF, the event showcased how young girls are actively participating in community initiatives to address environmental and child welfare issues.
The program was attended by Prof. Dr. Johar, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar, as Chief Guest, and Mr. Rydek, Chief of Field Office UNICEF, as Guest of Honor.
Activities led by adolescent girls included a plantation drive, theatre performances on child protection themes, storytelling sessions, and presentations on life skills and peer support. A key highlight was the plantation campaign, symbolizing the girls’ commitment to environmental sustainability and children’s rights.
Addressing the audience, Prof. Dr. Johar appreciated the joint efforts of the Social Welfare Department and UNICEF in engaging youth for social causes. He emphasized the role of academic institutions in fostering leadership, social responsibility, and awareness among adolescents, particularly girls.
Mr. Rydek underscored UNICEF’s commitment to empowering children and adolescents, stressing the importance of safe environments where girls’ voices are heard.
He noted that young girls are actively contributing to initiatives such as online safety, leadership development, and life skills education, while spreading awareness within their communities.
