Bangkok, Thailand – 16 October 2024: AstraZeneca Thailand successfully hosted its annual #GirlsTakeOver event, celebrating the International Day of the Girl Child (IDOG) on October 11th. Organised in partnership with Plan International Thailand under the Young Health Programme (YHP), the event underscores AstraZeneca's ongoing commitment to empowering young female leaders to address health issues affecting marginalised girls and women.
The #GirlsTakeOver activity was launched in 2021 under the #GirlsBelongHere campaign, initiated by AstraZeneca’s YHP and Plan International as part of AstraZeneca’s YHP CSR initiative. It is an annual campaign designed to empower and advance the potential of girls. To commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child this year, four girl leaders under the #GirlsBelongHere campaign will join forces with executives from AstraZeneca, the UK and Swedish embassies, Siam Cement Group (SCG), and Siam Bioscience to participate in a roundtable discussion. Co-hosted by AstraZeneca Thailand and Plan International Thailand at AstraZeneca’s Bangkok office, the discussion will focus on health issues affecting marginalised girls and women. The event aims to provide platforms for girl leaders and empower them with leadership opportunities.
Roman Ramos, Country President of AstraZeneca Thailand and Frontier Markets, stated: “At AstraZeneca, Inclusion and Diversity are woven into the fabric of everything we do and are central to creating an inclusive culture where everyone feels they belong. We are committed to advancing gender and health equity through our continued support of the YHP programme, where girls and young women are encouraged to demonstrate leadership, particularly in driving social change and empowering them to make informed health choices. AstraZeneca Thailand continues to proudly support Thai youth by providing the tools to lead, investing in a healthier, more equitable future.”
Sharon Kane, Director of Sub Regions, Plan International Asia-Pacific, participated in the event and gave a welcome speech to all participants. She stated that: “At Plan International, we believe in empowering girls and young women. We support policy dialogue and opportunities such as this “Girls Take Over” which provides platforms for their voices to be heard and to enable them to lead the way and actively participate in decisions that impact their lives. Our work on gender equality aims to inspire future leaders at every level. Through strategic partnerships, together we address health challenges, drive meaningful impact, and focus on long-term goals that ensure sustainable progress for generations to come.”
The event, aligned with International Day of the Girl Child, focuses on equipping girls with leadership skills and opportunities. This year's objective is to encourage participants to confidently engage with decision-makers and develop action plans for their advocacy initiatives. These efforts foster critical thinking and proactive change-making, reinforcing AstraZeneca Thailand’s commitment to gender equality and female empowerment.
For more information on AstraZeneca’s #GirlsTakeOver initiative, please visit the Young Health Programme website.
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About AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme
AstraZeneca’s Young Health Programme (YHP) is a global programme with a unique focus on young people aged 10 to 24, living in vulnerable environments and under-resourced settings around the world. The YHP aims to prevent the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such as cancer, diabetes, heart disease, respiratory disease, and mental ill health.
Delivered in partnership with Plan International and UNICEF and informed by research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, it has reached more than 30 countries and 12 million youth with information about NCD risk behaviours. The YHP aims to support the development of protective environments and empower young people to make informed choices about their health. A holistic and integrated programme, it combines community programmes, research and advocacy and supports the development of young leaders. The YHP is part of AstraZeneca’s sustainability commitment to use our capabilities to make the most meaningful impact where society needs it - health.
To learn more about the Young Health Programme, please visit www.yhp.astrazeneca.com
AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca (LSE/STO/Nasdaq: AZN) is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialisation of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and Biopharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 100 countries and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. Please visit astrazeneca.com and follow the Company on Twitter @AstraZeneca.
About Plan International Thailand
Plan International is a non-profit organization operating in more than 70 countries worldwide to promote, enhance, and protect children’s rights and ensure equality for girls. Plan International Thailand has been working in Thailand since 1981 to help build a just society using a Child Centered Community Development approach that puts children’s best interests as its top priority by working with children, young people, public/private partners, communities and families to drive positive changes that further children’s rights and gender equality at the local, national and global level. Please visit https://plan-international.org/thailand and follow on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/plan.thailand
For further details, please contact:
Cataliya Chalermvongsenee
Email: cataliya.chalermvongsenee@astrazeneca.com
Tel. +66 (0) 80 064 8217
TH-21053
Expiration Date: 15/10/2026