Posted: 15/09/2025
Doncaster College is proud to announce that student Roya has been selected to take part in this year’s Girls Takeover programme with Plan UK and AstraZeneca, taking place in October.
A Passionate Advocate for Women’s Rights
Roya has been a passionate advocate for girls’ empowerment and women’s rights from an early age. Reflecting on her journey, she shared:
“When I was 14, I grew up in a community facing many problems. For me, being a girl was not just a word; I really felt it. When the Taliban came, everything changed, and I understood that if a girl wants to succeed, she must work much harder. For me, it meant never giving up.”
Since then, Roya has continued to raise her voice for change. She has spoken as a key speaker at International Women’s Day events, received the Community Award at the Student Celebration Awards, written to her local MP, and met with Doncaster MP Sally Jameson to discuss educational opportunities and the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
“When I see girls without access to their rights, it hurts me,” said Roya. “It is sad that a woman must fight for her own rights. But I believe the voices of girls can bring change.”
Stepping Into Leadership
As part of the Girls Takeover initiative, Roya will shadow Paula Pohja-Hutchison, Global Head of Health Equity at AstraZeneca, gaining valuable insight into leadership, health equity, and advocacy for women and girls.
Tiffany Davis, AstraZeneca’s Global Head of Inclusion & Diversity, said:
“Gender equality cannot exist unless women are in positions of power to make informed choices about their health. At AstraZeneca, we are investing in sustainable healthcare solutions that aim to break harmful barriers that continue to hold girls and women back from accessing healthcare information and services. Together with our partners, and through the passion and determination of our employees around the world, we are working to make the most meaningful difference to people and the communities in which they live by building more resilient health systems for all.”
“I am so proud to join Girls Takeover,” said Roya. “I’m eager to gain experience in leadership and advocacy, which will help me grow in confidence and shape my future career. Since I was a child, I’ve dreamed of studying law and becoming a lawyer, to stand against injustice and protect people’s rights. Through this opportunity, I hope to gain more confidence and put it towards my future career.”
Celebrating a Changemaker
Katya Jelizarova, Student Engagement Officer at Doncaster College, said:
“When Roya first shared her powerful article on the struggles faced by women in Afghanistan, I knew she had a voice that needed to be heard. Supporting her journey, from meeting our local MP to taking over from a senior leader at AstraZeneca UK, has been a privilege. Her selection for Girls Takeover is a testament to her courage, passion, and the change she’s determined to make.”
Doncaster College celebrates Roya’s outstanding achievement and her unwavering commitment to creating positive change for girls and women locally and globally.