By: Trokon Wrepue – trokon1992seokin@gmail.com
Monrovia – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Irish Government, on Wednesday opened a three-day adolescent girls’ conference aimed at empowering young girls to realize their full potential.
Held under the theme “Empowering Adolescent Girls to Achieve Full Potential,” the conference brings together adolescent girls, policymakers, civil society actors, and development partners to promote adolescent leadership, peer support, and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.
The event is part of the “Nurture, Empower, and Protect (NEP): Harnessing the Full Potential of Adolescent Girls in Liberia” project, jointly implemented by UNICEF and UNFPA as part of the One UN System, with funding from the Irish Government.
The initiative targets more than 107,500 adolescent girls in Montserrado, Rivercess, and Grand Gedeh Counties, prioritizing those most vulnerable and marginalized.
Building Skills and Agency
Over the course of three days, participants will engage in workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to strengthen leadership, decision-making, and life skills.
Discussions are focused on sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, access to social services, and adolescent-led advocacy.
“This platform is not just about conversation, but action,” said Bernice Wart, Director of the Adolescent Girls Division at the Ministry, during the opening session.
Also speaking, Deputy Minister for Children and Social Protection, Madam Garmai Tokpah, emphasized the government’s commitment to adolescent empowerment.
“We are investing in a future where adolescent girls are not only protected and empowered but are leaders shaping Liberia’s development,” she said.
A Critical Demographic
Liberia’s young population highlights the urgency of the initiative. Nearly 46% of Liberians are under the age of 19, with adolescents aged 10–19 making up about 35.6% of the population.
This demographic, officials say, represents both a major opportunity and a responsibility for the country’s development agenda.
By equipping girls with skills in leadership, self-confidence, communication, problem-solving, and healthy lifestyle choices, the conference seeks to ensure that adolescent girls have both the agency and the tools to lead and influence change in their communities.
Core Objectives
Key objectives of the gathering include: Bringing together adolescent girls from the three target counties for peer mentorship and mutual learning, facilitating dynamic networking sessions involving girls’ advisory panels, adolescent clubs, and buddy networks and building stronger advocacy and collaboration platforms led by girls themselves.
The conference, taking place in Monrovia, will conclude on this Friday, August 22, 2025.
