New Delhi: A number of young women in the city will don the roles of ambassadors and high commissioners tomorrow as part of a joint diplomatic initiative to mark the the International Day of the Girl Child.

Around 30 diplomatic missions in New Delhi have joined hands to celebrate the day through a range of activities to promote gender equality and the advancement of their human rights.

“With the support of Plan India, a child rights organization which strives to advance children s rights and equality for girls, the ‘takeover’ will provide an opportunity for young women of different backgrounds to interact directly with Ambassadors and High Commissioners and take on their role for a short time,” a joint statement said.

Missions, which are part of the initiative, include the Australian High Commission, British High Commission, US Embassy, German Embassy, French Embassy, South African High Commission, and Delegation of the European Union among others.

The International Day of the Girl Child, celebrated every year on October 11, is a UN-declared international observance day to support greater opportunities for girls and awareness of the gender discrimination they endure worldwide.

“We, as diplomatic missions in India, are committed to working together, and with the Government of India and civil society partners, to continue to raise awareness around the issue and to advocate for greater gender parity and equal access to opportunities,” it added.