Feminist fight not over, says UK teenager on Hillary Clinton Instagram takeover

The fight is far from over and feminism is still very much needed, a county Durham teenager has told Hillary Clinton’s six million Instagram followers.

The 19-year-old was one of two young people taking over the former US presidential candidate’s social media account to mark the International Day of the Girl.

Global children’s charity Plan International UK said 20 girls were taking over positions of power in business, politics and media on Wednesday.

In a video posted to Mrs Clinton’s account, Lois – whose surname has not been given – said: “If anyone tries to tell you that feminism is no longer needed, that is the furthest thing from the truth. The fight is far from over.”

Lois was teaming up with a teenager from the US for the Instagram account takeover with the aim of championing gender equality, showing support for girls and women from different global communities and highlighting the importance of young activists.

Lois said: “I am very grateful for this opportunity to take over and share my voice on Hillary Clinton’s Instagram. I would have never have thought that a young, working class girl from the North East of England would have ever been able to do something like this. It’s really empowering.

“It’s important young women like Nora and I are given the tools and resources to use our voices and be given platforms to talk about things that directly affect us, because at the end of the day, they are affecting us and who knows better about the experiences of women and girls, than women and girls themselves.”

Other temporary takeovers included Emily Eavis’ role as co-organiser of Glastonbury Festival, Andy Burnham’s position as Mayor of Manchester and Misan Harriman’s role as chair of the London’s Southbank Centre.

Rose Caldwell, Plan International UK chief executive, said: “Seeing girls take over business, politics and media is an inspiring celebration of the incredible potential of girls. The talent, ideas and strength of girls has the power to change the world, but change isn’t coming fast enough, and girls tell us they have had enough of the empty rhetoric.

“Together with girls we can make sure International Day of the Girl becomes more than just a day in the calendar, but a catalyst for powering a world where every girl can reach her potential.”