A Generation of Girls Ready to Lead
Stepping Up, Speaking Out, and Seizing the Future
As Liberia celebrated its 179th Independence Day in Grand Bassa County, adolescent girls made their voices count—calling for bold, concrete change across West and Central Africa.
With support from UNICEF, the National Adolescent Girls Advisory Panel engaged communities and championed a future where every girl has the confidence to lead, the opportunity to succeed, and the power to shape Liberia’s future.
In line with the Dakar Call to Action, adolescent girls in Liberia stood together to demand:
Education for All: Urgent action to address the more than 57 million out-of-school children in the region and ensure that all girls, including girls with disabilities, can access alternative learning pathways, school clubs, and associations.
Health and Well-being: Quality, respectful health services for adolescent mothers and open dialogue to break the silence and stigma surrounding menstruation.
Safety and Justice: An end to child marriage through setting and enforcing the legal age of marriage at 18; zero tolerance for child trafficking, online exploitation, and cyberviolence; and reduced water-collection burdens so girls are protected and have more time to learn.
Equality: An end to harmful social norms, stereotypes, and gender-based discrimination that limit girls’ aspirations and opportunities.
Their message was clear: Liberia’s future must be shaped with girls—not simply for them.
Happy Independence Day, Liberia!
