In celebration of International Day of the Girl Child, AstraZeneca’s Young Health Program (YHP) joins the global Girls Takeover campaign to promote inclusion and draw attention to the obstacles faced by young women in Vietnam.

During the event, AstraZeneca leaders stepped aside from their roles to give two female students from the National Economics University a unique opportunity to lead a webcast discussion and share their ideas on how AstraZeneca can further promote female leadership and women’s empowerment. 

Joining AstraZeneca leaders and employees, Yen Nhi and My Hanh – from Ha Giang and Nam Dinh Provinces – discussed their experience and observations of COVID-19 challenges.

They highlighted that the pandemic has posed several emotional and economic challenges as they have to manage both professional and family duties during social distancing.

For those in remote areas, COVID-19 also put girls at greater risk of exploitation, child labor, and gender-based violence.

“COVID-19 outbreaks have not only limited our chances to participate in meaningful social activities, but also exposed young girls to more misinformation, cyberbullying, and harassment,” Hanh shared during the discussion.

“I hope to see more programs to help equip girls with skills to protect themselves online and other virtual educational opportunities.” 

Hanh and Nhi had time to learn about opportunities in science and innovation for women through AstraZeneca’s journey in addressing the pandemic and non-communicable diseases.

The two girls then led the panel discussion and conveyed their ideas on how the company can further its support for women’s empowerment in Asia, with a focus on Vietnam. 

“Programs like Young Health Program are really helpful as they equip girls with knowledge and skills to take the lead,” Nhi said.

“I realize that I learnt a lot from both training sessions and other group activities.

“Besides, connecting girls, especially those in remote areas, with female leaders who can serve as role models can help inspire them to take actions for themselves.”

Contributions from the youths were highly appreciated by AstraZeneca leaders.

“AstraZeneca is proud that almost half of our senior leadership roles are filled by women,” emphasized Leon Wang, EVP, AstraZeneca International Area and President, AstraZeneca China.

“Female representation in senior leadership roles is crucial, not just for an organization's performance and success, but also to nurture an inclusive and diverse environment to generate innovative ideas for sustainable growth.”

Nitin Kapoor, Chairman and General Director, Vietnam and Asia Area Frontier Markets, reiterated that AstraZeneca will continue to encourage young women’s empowerment.

“It was inspiring for us at AstraZeneca to hear from such young female talents,” Kapoor said.

“This meaningful dialogue illuminated the challenges that continue to disproportionately affect girls and young women, exacerbated by the pandemic.

“However, with impactful partnerships and a genuine intent to help, organizations like AstraZeneca can and will go above and beyond to provide equal opportunities to girls, and empower them to raise their voice to build a healthier, fairer future.”

Hanh and Nhi proudly shared after the discussion, “This unique experience as leaders of AstraZeneca is a great opportunity for us to learn necessary skills, to develop our world view, and to nurture our enthusiasm for a future with gender equality.”

Since 2016, thousands of women all over the world and 982 in Vietnam have been stepping into the roles of leaders in politics, media, entertainment, and business, among others to demand equal power and representation for girls and young women through Plan International’s great effort in running the Girls Takeover series.