Published: August 25, 2025
MONROVIA, Liberia — Hundreds of adolescent girls from across Liberia gathered in Monrovia this week for a three-day conference that organizers say marked a turning point in efforts to amplify girls’ voices, sharpen their leadership skills, and strengthen protections against challenges that derail their futures.
The Government of Liberia, through the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, hosted the conference in collaboration with UNICEF, UNFPA and the Irish Embassy-funded “Nurture, Empower and Protect” project.
A Platform for Change
Held under the theme “Empowering Adolescent Girls to Achieve Their Full Potential,” the forum drew participants from Rivercess, Grand Gedeh and Montserrado counties. It gave girls space to share concerns, showcase talents and engage directly with national leaders and development partners.
The project is overseen by a steering committee and a technical working group, which officials said were critical to planning and implementation.
Voices From the Podium
At the closing ceremony, Bernice Woart, director for adolescents at the Gender Ministry, urged participants to carry lessons back to their communities. “Since the three days, we’ve all been learning new things. Even me, I learned something new,” she said. “Share everything you learn.”
UNICEF officials encouraged the girls to dream beyond limits while avoiding early pregnancy and relationships that could derail ambitions. “Our ultimate goal is to see you in professions like doctors, lawyers, nurses, teachers,” one representative said.
The Girls Respond
Speaking on behalf of participants, Lydia Q. Harris of Rivercess, Courage S. Wawood of Grand Gedeh, and Victoria Miazee of Montserrado pledged to share what they learned. “We assure you that what we learned here will not stay here. We’ll teach our peers and make sure our voices are heard,” Miazee said.
Some girls called for sustained backing to prevent dropouts and teen pregnancies. Others praised the inclusiveness of the program, saying girls with disabilities felt recognized.
Angeline Artis of the Ministry of Youth and Sports applauded the girls’ insights, noting she had learned lessons she “didn’t learn even in college.” She promised to integrate new approaches into youth programming.
Organizers and participants agreed that progress must extend beyond conferences. “This is not the end. Let the action follow the recommendations,” one speaker said.
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