MONROVIA – In observance of the International Day of the Girl Child, Miss Ruth Towah, the symbolic Liberia Country Representative for UN Women, has urged the Liberian government to prioritize girls’ development and improve the country’s education sector. This day, part of a resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, is observed globally on October 11th each year. The global theme for 2024 is “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” while Liberia celebrates under the theme “Empowering Every Girl in Liberia for a Better Future,” according to a Foreign Ministry release.
During a press conference at the One UN House in Monrovia on Thursday, October 10, 2024, Miss Towah emphasized the significant roles played by girl children in society. “I am calling on the Liberian government to provide opportunities for young people, especially girls, to boost their potential and give back to their country,” she stated.
Miss Towah, a Liberian and graduate of the Evangel Christian Academy, highlighted that many young people in the country do not have the space to showcase their skills and abilities due to numerous obstacles. She expressed concern over the high dropout rates among girl children in both high school and university, attributing this to a lack of support and motivation from the national government.
“Girls’ education should be given a high priority,” she added. “They are dropping out of school due to several factors, and the urgent need for the government’s efforts to address this nightmare cannot be overstated.”
Miss Towah also encouraged her peers, including boys, to face challenges with confidence and strive for victory. “I am an activist, and I believe every child has great potential within, but they cannot realize it if they do not come out to showcase,” she urged. She advised her colleagues not to overlook their abilities in contributing to national governance or achieving their dreams.
Additionally, Miss Towah shared her experience of coming from a poor family background, which she believes should serve as motivation for others regarding the gains she continues to make. “Many girls think they should sit back, but that should not be a reason to overlook themselves; don’t keep the potential you have to yourself,” she noted.
Miss Towah praised UN Women Liberia for giving her the opportunity to serve as the symbolic Country Representative during the International Day of the Girl Child. “UN Women has actually motivated me, and I feel so achieved by seeing myself sitting behind this desk,” she said. She urged the UN agency to continue such initiatives annually to add value to the lives of girl children in Liberia.
Miss Towah also thanked her institution, Plan Liberia, for recommending her for this crucial role. As a member of the Girls Get Equal Campaign-Liberia, a girl-led advocacy group organized by Plan International Liberia, she is passionate about empowering and amplifying the voices of girls across the country. Serving at UN Women provides her with an opportunity to communicate girls’ rights issues nationwide and globally. Miss Towah aspires to become a Counselor.
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