The Community Healthcare Initiative (CHI), through the Adolescent Girls Summit, has called on the Liberian government to take proactive measures to educate citizens about the harmful effects of female genital mutilation (FGM) and to enact and enforce laws aimed at eliminating FGM, child marriage, gender-based violence, and reducing teenage pregnancy.
On Wednesday, February 19, 2025, a dialogue focused on adolescent girls’ rights and well-being under the gender justice initiative was held at Monrovia City Hall, bringing together various stakeholders.
During the discussion, adolescent girls reiterated their call to action from the 2024 Adolescent Girls Summit (AGS), urging the government to address their concerns and take concrete steps toward their implementation.
This call to action represents the voices and aspirations of 121 adolescents and young people from 10 West African countries who attended the 2024 AGS in Monrovia, Liberia, in March 2024.
It highlights key demands from adolescents and young people, urging relevant stakeholders to take action on the challenges they face.
Among their demands, the adolescents called for the training of teachers in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE), including specialized training for those teaching children with disabilities.
They stressed the need for CSE to be an independent subject in schools and for educators to receive adequate training to teach it effectively.
They advocated for improvements in rural education by constructing more schools closer to communities, providing school supplies, increasing teacher salaries, and ensuring free access to medical and menstrual hygiene products in all schools.
Furthermore, they urged West African governments to invest in adolescent girls’ health, well-being, and safe spaces, such as girls’ clubs and support networks where they can learn, share experiences, and receive guidance.
They also called for policies that include adolescent and youth representatives in governance, policymaking, and decision-making processes, particularly concerning issues affecting girls.
Additionally, they emphasized the need for policy harmonization across gender and child-related initiatives to ensure the effective enforcement of laws protecting adolescent girls.
The adolescent girls appealed to parents, caregivers, communities, and religious leaders to listen to their voices: “We have a lot to say too. Let’s work together to end violence and human rights abuses.”
They strongly opposed the practice of resolving cases of sexual and gender-based violence within families, instead advocating for a safe, supportive environment where adolescents can thrive.
They called for an end to FGM, early marriage, and all forms of discrimination, including exclusion from decision-making and community activities.
Additionally, they urged community leaders to establish laws that protect children, especially those with disabilities, ensuring they feel safe, respected, and have access to education.
They stressed that children’s consent, opinions, and personal interests should be considered and respected in decision-making processes.
The forum also emphasized the need for increased engagement and awareness from community leaders to address harmful cultural practices.
Speaking to journalists, Beatrice Crusoe of the Children’s Forum highlighted the many challenges adolescents face and urged the government to take concrete steps to address them.
She called for ongoing advocacy efforts against FGM, child marriage, and forced marriage.
Crusoe also proposed creating a special platform for adolescents to showcase their business ideas and receive technical and financial support.
She urged schools to stop excluding girls from education due to pregnancy or menstruation, end sexual harassment in schools, and ensure the availability of sanitary pads, clean water, and proper sanitation facilities.