In 1995, at the World Conference on Women in Beijing, countries unanimously adopted the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action the most progressive blueprint ever for advancing the rights of not only women but also girls. The Beijing Declaration is the first to specifically call out girls’ rights.
On December 19, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 66/170 to declare October 11 as the International Day of the Girl Child to recognize girls’ rights and the unique challenges girls face around the world.
In joining the global efforts in observance of the International Day of the Girl Child, the Falaba District Women’s Network (FDWN), in collaboration with local and international partners, marked the International Day of the Girl Child with a day-long conference in Mongo Bendugu.
This year’s event focused on empowering adolescent girls through discussions covering education, health, and their rights, enabling them to navigate and overcome the challenges they face.
The Falaba District Women’s Network is a leading advocacy organization for women’s rights that has, over the years, served as a voice for women who are unable to advocate for themselves, engaging in various empowerment and skills training programs. The network has also raised public awareness on issues like gender-based violence, assisting women in asserting their rights and dignity within their communities.
Each year, FDWN collaborates with the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MOGCA) and local partners to celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child. This annual event provides a vital platform for adolescent girls to express their concerns, particularly in areas related to safety, protection, and security.
This year’s celebration revolved around the theme “Girls’ Vision for the Future.”Madam Fatmata B. Turay, Director of FDWN, highlighted the significant progress made since the launch of the Adolescent Girls Empowerment and Protection Project, funded by Irish Aid through the International Rescue Committee (IRC). The two-day Annual Girls’ Conference culminated in this celebration, underscoring the collective efforts to uplift girls in the district. “The people of Falaba District appreciate the support we’ve received; it has enlightened more girls in our society,” Madam Turay noted.
The conference also addressed key challenges faced by girls, including barriers to education and health. A position paper outlining these challenges was developed and submitted to various stakeholders, including the Falaba District Local Council, Sierra Leone Police, MOGCA, and other relevant ministries.
Madam Turay mentioned that this year’s celebration catered to six communities: Mongo, Simithia, Ganya, Kombilie, Tumania, and Serekolia. Although the event was successful, she acknowledged funding limitations that prevented accommodating all chiefdom headquarters. “We simply didn’t have enough resources to provide accommodations for all attendees, but we hope to expand our reach in the future,” she explained.
In her keynote add the District Health Sister 1, Roberta Maculey expressed her gratitude to FDWN for the opportunity to address the girls on such a significant occasion.
“I am truly honored to be standing before you today as the keynote speaker for this year’s International Day of the Girl Child celebration,” she noted while emphasizing that this day serves not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of the “critical role girls play” in our communities.
Sister Roberta highlighted education as a fundamental pillar for breaking the cycle of poverty. “Education opens doors, creates opportunities, and builds confidence. When you are educated, no one can take that knowledge away from you. It empowers you to make decisions and to contribute to your community,” she explained.
She encouraged the girls to take full advantage of the skills and knowledge offered through programs provided by the Falaba District Women’s Network. “These skills will help you become independent and successful, enabling you to support your family and community,” she emphasized.
In a heartfelt appeal, Sister Roberta urged the girls to remain steadfast in their aspirations. “Do not give up on your dreams. The skills and knowledge you have gained will guide you on the path to success. Stay determined, stay focused, and remember that we are all here to support you as you build your future,” she reminded them, fostering a sense of resilience and hope.
Sister Roberta concluded her address by recognizing the collective responsibility of the community in supporting girls’ education and empowerment. “I commend the Falaba District Women’s Network for their dedication to empowering adolescent girls. Your work is making a difference in the lives of many young women,” she stated.
She called on local leaders, parents, and community members to actively participate in creating an environment conducive to girls’ success. “Let us work together to ensure that our girls receive the education and opportunities they deserve. Together, we can build a brighter future for our daughters,” Sister Roberta concluded, leaving the audience inspired and motivated.
In her closing remarks, Madam Fatmata B. Turay expressed her deep appreciation to the donors and local partners who made the event possible. “We are immensely grateful to Irish Aid and our local partners for their unwavering support. Without them, events like this wouldn’t be feasible. Their contributions are paving the way for a brighter future for our girls.”
The International Day of the Girl Child celebration in Mongo Bendugu served as a powerful reminder of the importance of empowering girls. With ongoing efforts from organizations like the Falaba District Women’s Network and the support of local and international partners, there is hope for a future where more girls can achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities.
The International Day of the Girl Child focuses attention on the need to address the challenges girls face and to promote girls’ empowerment and the fulfillment of their human rights.
Adolescent girls have the right to a safe, educated, and healthy life, not only during these critical formative years but also as they mature into women. If effectively supported during the adolescent years, girls have the potential to change the world – both as the empowered girls of today and as tomorrow’s workers, mothers, entrepreneurs, mentors, household heads, and political leaders. An investment in realizing the power of adolescent girls upholds their rights today and promises a more equitable and prosperous future, one in which half of humanity is an equal partner in solving the problems of climate change, political conflict, economic growth, disease prevention, and global sustainability.
Girls are breaking boundaries and barriers posed by stereotypes and exclusion, including those directed at children with disabilities and those living in marginalized communities. As entrepreneurs, innovators, and initiators of global movements, girls are creating a world that is relevant for them and future generations.
The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) adopted by world leaders in 2015, embody a roadmap for progress that is sustainable and leaves no one behind. Achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment is integral to each of the 17 goals. Only by ensuring the rights of women and girls across all the goals will we get to justice and inclusion, economies that work for all, and sustaining our shared environment now and for future generations.