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There remains a significant gap in the participation of girls and young women in leadership and decision-making spaces in Nigeria and around the world. Despite this, girls are driving transformative conversations, challenging barriers, and leading change in their communities. Now more than ever, we must create opportunities for girls to shape the future alongside today’s leaders and become role models for future generations.
At Plan International Nigeria, we believe in the power and potential of every girl. We are committed to advancing children’s rights and equality for girls, creating a just world where girls can learn, lead, decide, and thrive.
As part of our #StandWithGirls campaign, Plan International Nigeria launched the #ShadowCD Initiative in 2022 to mark the International Day of the Girl Child. The initiative aims to inspire girls to take on leadership roles, challenge harmful social norms and behaviours, and amplify their voices on issues that affect their lives and futures.
We are now inviting girls across Abuja to apply for the 2026/2027 Shadow Country Director Programme.
This unique opportunity offers one girl the chance to step into the role of Plan International Nigeria’s Country Director for a day, gain first-hand leadership experience, participate in a year-long mentorship programme, and strengthen her leadership, advocacy, and communication skills.
As part of this transgenerational leadership and dialogue model, the selected participant will engage with influential leaders, contribute to important conversations, and inspire other girls to become changemakers in their communities.
Apply today and take your place among the next generation of women leaders.
Eligibility criteria
Applicant should:
- Be a girl aged 18 to 24 years at the time of application.
- Be a Nigerian currently residing in Abuja.
- Demonstrate an interest in gender equality, leadership, advocacy, and activism.
- Show leadership potential and the ability to positively represent girls’ leadership.
- Come from any background or ability. Girls from underrepresented or marginalised communities are especially encouraged to apply.
- Be willing to commit to the requirements of the programme.
- Members of existing youth networks and groups affiliated with Plan International Nigeria, including the Girls Get Equal (GGE) and Youth Advisory Panel (YAP), are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
Application Questions
Personal Information
- Full name
- Email address
- Phone number
- Date of birth
- Location (State)
- Do you have any form of Disability? If yes, what assistance will you require during the tenure?
Essay Questions
1. Why do you want to participate in the Shadow Country Director Programme and if selected as the Shadow Country Director, what would you like to achieve during your tenure?
(Maximum 300 words)
2. What do you hope to learn from taking on a leadership position, and what would you like the leader to learn from you during your takeover?
(Maximum 300 words)
3. If you could create one solution to make life easier for girls in your community, what would it be and why?
(Maximum 300 words)
Interested girls should submit their application to the following email address: Nigeria.Partnership@plan-international.org. with the Heading “Application for Plan International Nigeria’s Shadow Country Director”.
Deadline for application: 30th September, 2026.
