PESHAWAR
Adolescent girls highlighted their role as agents of change in climate action and child protection at a one-day event held at the University Model School for Girls on Thursday, where speakers underscored the importance of youth engagement in addressing social and environmental challenges.
The event, titled “Roots and Rights: Role of Adolescent Girls in Climate Change and Child Protection,” was organised by the Directorate of Social Welfare Merged Areas in collaboration with the University of Peshawar and UNICEF.
Vice Chancellor Dr Johar Ali attended as chief guest, while UNICEF representative Radoslaw Rzehak was the guest of honour.
Additional Secretary Social Welfare Amara Khan, UNICEF Child Protection Officer Bushra Ajmal, Deputy Director Social Welfare (Merged Areas) Obaid-ur-Rehman, Principal Nazanin Maqsood, Dr Shakeel Ahmed, Amjad Mahmood and Kainat Farooqui were also in attendance.
The programme featured a range of activities led by adolescent girls, including a tree plantation drive, theatre performances on child protection, storytelling sessions, and presentations focusing on life skills and peer support.
The tree plantation campaign emerged as a central highlight, symbolising the participants’ commitment to environmental sustainability as well as the protection of children’s rights.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Johar Ali appreciated the collaborative efforts of the Social Welfare Department and UNICEF, stressing that educational institutions had a vital role in nurturing awareness, leadership and social responsibility among young people, particularly girls.
He said empowering adolescents would enable them to better respond to challenges faced by vulnerable segments of society.
Mr Rzehak reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to promoting child rights and empowering young people, noting that investment in girls’ leadership and the provision of safe, inclusive spaces were key to ensuring their meaningful participation.
He observed that adolescent girls were already contributing significantly to child protection initiatives, including promoting online safety, engaging in leadership and life skills programmes, and raising awareness within their communities.
Participants also delivered messages on climate action, prevention of child marriage, online safety and psychosocial well-being, reflecting a broad understanding of the issues affecting children and youth.
Officials said the initiative was part of ongoing child protection programmes in Peshawar and the merged districts, where adolescent girls’ clubs have been playing an active role in community engagement and awareness campaigns.
