(Monrovia, Liberia – August 20, 2025), On Wednesday, the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection, with support from UNICEF, UNFPA, and the Irish Government, commenced a three-day adolescent girls conference focused on empowering girls to realize their full potential.
The event which is being held under the theme: “Empowering Adolescent Girls to Achieve Full Potential,” brings together adolescent girls, policymakers, civil society actors, and development partners in a collaborative effort to promote adolescent leadership, peer support, and protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.
The conference is a core activity under the “Nurture, Empower, and Protect (NEP): Harnessing the Full Potential of Adolescent Girls in Liberia” project, jointly implemented by UNFPA and UNICEF as part of the One UN System and supported by the Irish Government. The initiative is targets over 107,500 adolescent girls in Montserrado, Rivercess, and Grand Gedeh Counties, prioritizing those who are most vulnerable and marginalized.
Over the course of the three days, adolescent participants will engage in interactive workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions designed to build leadership, life skills, and decision-making competencies. Topics included sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR), prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse, access to social services, and adolescent-led advocacy.
The conference, currently taking place in Monrovia, will run until Friday, August 22, 2025.
“This platform is not just about conversation, but action,” said Director Bernice Wart, Head of Adolescent Girls Division, in her opening remarks.
Also speaking, Deputy Minister of Children and Social Protection, Madam Garmai Tokpah said “We are investing in a future where adolescent girls are not only protected and empowered but are leaders shaping Liberia’s development.”
Liberia has a predominantly young population, with 46% under the age of 19, and adolescents aged 10–19 accounting for approximately 35.6% of the population. This demographic represents an enormous opportunity and responsibility for national development.
By equipping girls with skills in leadership, self-confidence, communication, problem-solving, and healthy lifestyle choices, the conference aims to ensure that adolescent girls have both the agency and the tools to lead and influence change in their communities.
The conference focused on several core objectives including to unite adolescent girls from the three targeted counties for peer mentorship, shared experiences, and mutual learning; and to facilitate a dynamic networking session involving girls advisory panels, adolescent clubs, and buddy networks, building stronger platforms for advocacy and collaboration.
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#Communication Unit
