In an effort to address the challenges faced by young women and girls, the Ministry of Gender Equality, Children and Social Protection and with the support of partners is launching a three-day (July 27-29, 2022) National Conference on Young Women and Girls in Sinje, Grand Cape Mount District .
The conference is an annual program designed by the ministry and its partners to provide a platform for young women and girls to gather and discuss issues affecting them in their respective communities and jointly develop concrete action plans to address these issues.
This year, the conference is marked in the light of the bicentenary of "Elevating the minds and vision of young women and girls for a brighter future".
Education and leadership development, sexual reproductive health and rights, and cultural and traditional practices are the topic areas discussed by the girls.
Historically, in 2016, Liberian Girls, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection and national stakeholders, developed an implementation strategy that highlights the interventions that need to be implemented for Liberian girls. Key among these interventions is the "National Conference of Young Women and Girls", which supports the implementation of the Manifesto for the Development and Empowerment of the Liberian Girl Child and contributes to the National Framework for the Empowerment of Girls.
In addition, the National Conference of Young Women and Girls is the result of Resolution 66/170, adopted by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, declaring October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child. The UN has set aside this day to fight girls' rights issues, identify problems facing adolescent girls and young women around the world, and develop strategies, projects and programs that address these problems.
On Thursday 28 July 2022, Deputy Minister for Gender Equality Alice Johnson Howard, speaking at the indoor launch, highlighted that this year's event aims to: Raise the minds and visions of 200 young women, boys and girls aged 10-24 from Worldwide. 15 districts in Liberia by developing their capacity as emerging change makers in their respective communities; Increase knowledge of local communities Adolescence through media phone in talk shows and community outreach and education activities; educating the public about the harmful effects of violence against women and girls and how communities can play a key role in addressing or mitigating these threats.
She emphasized that the conference will hold a panel discussion with various stakeholders on issues affecting young women, girls and boys, with the aim of breaking down long-held stereotypes and increasing women's participation in the discussion, as well as empowering men to serve as advocates and support girls in their quest.
Minister Howard told the participants that the conference was comprised of young women, boys and girls from across Liberia, including at-risk adolescent girls and boys, university students, high school students, women enrolled in TVET, out-of-school girls, the physically challenged, among others rural and urban communities.
She implored the girls to make the most of the conference for the betterment of society.
The Assistant Minister for Gender Equality commended UNICEF, UFDUM, Medica-Liberia, Plan International, Brac, ActionAid, Samaritan's Purse and DCI-Liberia for the support given to the ministry.
In a special statement, Madam Ina Williams Christensen, National Child Protection Officer, UNICEF-Liberia, provided a written statement on behalf of UNICEF Representative Laila O. Gad.
According to the statement, it is no secret that children, adolescents and young women continue to face many challenges at global, regional and national levels. The statement cited Liberia's Demographic Health Survey (2019-2020) report, which states that 60% of women have experienced physical violence at some point since the age of 15. concerns in Liberia, while access to sexual and reproductive health information and services is low. Girls in particular are affected by harmful traditional practices, particularly early marriage and female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C),” the report said.
“There are also unfair gender norms that create barriers to girls' social and economic advancement. The above tells us how much we need to strategically use our collective efforts, including adolescent girls and young women themselves, to create pathways for girls and young women to flourish, survive and live to their full potential. One way to do this is to create enabling environments and platforms where young people can acquire the knowledge, skills and ability to stand up for their rights and protect themselves from the vices they face. Country Rep said in a statement.
Ms. Gad thanked the Ministry of Gender Equality, Children and Social Protection, the Working Group on Adolescent Girls, UN sister agencies and other development partners for organizing the National Conference of Young Women and Girls.
In conclusion, the head of UNICEF said that UNICEF is looking forward to the outcome of the event and pledged its commitments to work with the Government of Liberia and partners for the development and empowerment of children, adolescents and women in Liberia.
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