University Girl Took Over Senior Management Role Promote Period Equality in Organisation and School
Since 2016, Plan International has been carrying out the annual Girls Takeover campaign on the International Day of Girl Child on a global scale. This campaign offers an opportunity for girls to take over senior management roles while exploring their potential and talents, fighting for girls’ rights and bringing about positive changes on political, economic and social levels. Up to 2023, over 6,200 young girls have participated in this campaign globally to advocate gender equality and encourage girls to create the full lives they dream of.
The 4th Girls Takeover was successfully held on Oct 11, this year, we are thrilled to have Kimberly-Clark Hong Kong as our partner. By taking over the position of Ms Stella Chun, the General Manager of Kimberly-Clark Hong Kong, Kimmy, a 4th-year student from the Department of Social Work and Social Administration at The University of Hong Kong, aimed to raise the public’s awareness of “Period Poverty” and “Period Shaming”, and promote period equality and women empowerment in organisation.
Menstruation is a normal process for every girl but many are still troubled by it both in developing and developed countries. In 2018, around 140,000 young girls in Britain had to be absent from school because they could not afford menstruation items; in India, the lack of menstruation facilities is forcing almost 23 million girls to drop out of schools; in Nepal, period is seen as unclean while girls and women are often shamed and restricted. Even worse, they need to live in Chhaupadi during their periods! Kimberly-Clark has been advocating ID&E (Inclusion, Diversity and Equity), gender equality and women empowerment while allocating resources to period education to eliminate period taboos. With the same vision to create a better world for girls, Plan International Hong Kong partnered with Kimberly-Clark to offer girls opportunities to learn, lead, decide and thrive.
On the International Day of Girl Child (Oct 11), Kimmy took over the position of Ms Stella Chun, the General Manager of Kimberly-Clark Hong Kong and organised a brainstorming workshop to discuss “Period Poverty” and “Period Shaming” issues with the staff.
On the day of Girls Takeover, Kimmy became the General Manager and met with the staff. With abundant figures and case studies, she illustrated the global situation of gender equality, “Period Poverty” and “Period Shaming” to facilitate the brand to move forward to menstruation equality and women empowerment on a local and global scale. The staff proactively participated in the discussions and gave practical suggestions for future development. Besides, Kimmy worked with one of the brands managed by Kimberly-Clark, Kotex and organised a menstruation education workshop in a primary school in early October. By carrying out interactive drama, Kimmy introduced “Period Poverty” and “Period Shaming” issues in developing countries to the students so that they could know more about global menstruation issues. Through the interesting and interactive workshop, all students learned a lot that day.
Kimmy shared global statistics and case stories on “Period Poverty” and “Period Shaming”, the attendees all responded positively and were actively involved in the discussions and presentation.
Earlier on, Kimmy worked with one of the brands managed by Kimberly-Clark, Kotex and organised a menstruation education workshop in a primary school, allowing local students to learn more about the difficulties faced by girls from developing countries in a fun and interactive atmosphere.
Kimmy’s performance is appreciated by Ms Stella Chun, the General Manager of Kimberly-Clark Hong Kong, “I am impressed by Kimmy’s input, the enlightening information and case stories inspired us to think further; throughout the presentation, the interactive atmosphere encouraged all to participate in the activity.” Dr. Kanie Siu, Chief Executive Officer of Plan International Hong Kong was also satisfied with Kimmy’s work, “She is confident with a good understanding of the topics. Hope that she can continue her efforts in raising the public’s awareness and become a leader in the future! Once again, we thank Kimberly-Clark Hong Kong ‘s support to “Girls Takeover” campaign, showing commitment to fighting against “Period Poverty” and “Period Shaming” so that girls could have a safe and healthy period and break free from taboo.”
Ms Stella Chun, the General Manager of Kimberly-Clark Hong Kong praised Kimmy’s preparation as Kimmy was able to lead the brainstorming workshop and introduce issues related to menstruation from different angles.
Kimmy shared that participating in the Girls Takeover is a valuable experience, “It has truly been an empowering journey for me and it instilled in me a newfound sense of confidence and purpose through self-discovery. This campaign not only allows me to learn more about “Period Poverty” and “Period Shaming” in developing countries, but I also become part of the driving force in pushing forward girls’ rights with Kimberly-Clark Hong Kong and Plan International Hong Kong which both focus heavily on women empowerment. I am honoured to be in this meaningful campaign and I highly recommend young girls and women to participate in the Girls Takeover, together we open a new life-changing chapter in our lives.”
