The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection will on Friday, October 11, 2024, join the rest of the world in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, a day dedicated to celebrating the strength, resilience, and potential of girls around the world.
This year, the national observance is being held under the theme: “Empowering Every Girl In Liberia for a Better Future,” aligning with the global theme: “Girls’ Vision for a Future.”
The International Day of the Girl Child is a day dedicated to recognizing the challenges girls face globally, including unequal access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, while reaffirming national commitment to empower them to shape a brighter future for themselves and their communities.
As part of the commemoration, Deputy Minister for Administration at the Ministry of State for Presidential Affairs, Atty. Cornelia Kruah, will deliver special remarks, highlighting the importance of girls’ empowerment and the critical role society plays in creating opportunities for every girl to thrive. The event is expected to bring together key government officials, development partners, civil society organizations, the disabled community, and youth representatives to reflect on the progress made in promoting the rights and well-being of girls across Liberia.
In her remarks ahead of the International Day of the Girl Child, Gender Minister Gbeme Horace-Kollie has reiterated that true empowerment requires creating an environment where girls are safe, respected, and free to pursue opportunities for growth and development.
She noted, “When violence is prevalent, it erodes the fundamental rights of girls, limits their access to education, health services, empowerment, participation in society and perpetuates cycles of inequality.”
Madam Horace-Kollie emphasized that empowerment is not only about providing opportunities but also about eliminating barriers such as gender-based violence. She stressed that unless the violence disproportionately affecting girls is addressed, efforts to uplift them will remain incomplete, and society will continue to fail them.
The Gender Minister affirmed the ministry’s committed to supporting the vision of every girl, ensuring that they are equipped with the resources and opportunities necessary to become agents of positive change.
The celebration will include discussions, presentations, and exhibitions focused on the achievements and potential of girls across various sectors in Liberia.
The event will be hosted at the SKD Sports Complex Gymnasium in Paynesville, and will begin with a parade from the ELWA junction to SKD Sports Complex by 8:30a.m. The official indoor program will commence by 11:00 a.m., and it is expected to feature the participation of prominent national leaders, alongside youth advocates who will share their perspectives on how to shape a better future for girls in Liberia and beyond.
