Republic of Liberia’s Gender Ministry Hosts Nat’l Young Women, Girls Confab
MONROVIA, July18 (LINA) – The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection has begun the 2nd Edition of its annual National Young Women and Girls Conference at the Monrovia Vocational Training Center (MVTC) on Somalia Drive.
According to a Gender Ministry release issued Wednesday, the conference will run from July 18-20 under the theme “Empowering Young Women and Girls to take Initiatives and Stand Up For Their Rights” and gathering young women and girls from the 15counties of Liberia.
The release explained that the conference aims at enhancing the effectiveness of efforts to reduce the numbers of deprived girls and young women and thereby catalyzing change for communities, the broader society and the economy.
The National Young Women and Girls Conference is an annual program designed by the Ministry of Gender and its partners to afford young women and girls the platform to gather and discuss issues affecting them in their respective communities and develop concrete action plans aimed at addressing those issues.
The conference seeks to increase the knowledge of young women and girls to make better decisions, take on leadership roles and avoid risky behavior as well as increase young women and girls’ capacity to access information on sexual reproductive, educational, cultural and economic rights.
According to the release, adolescent girls and young women in Liberia are faced with multiple challenges, including early sexual activity, which often results in pregnancy, sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and child marriage.
The Ministry disclosed that access to information, on issues bordering around girls sexual and reproductive rights, comprehensive sexuality education, civic participation, and economic livelihood opportunities are among topics to be discussed at the three day conference.
During the three-day conference, activities include panel discussions on adolescent sexual and Reproductive health and Rights as well as discussions with Inspiring female leaders to talk about the challenges they faced and how they have worked towards overcoming them and realizing their goals.
The conference targets a total of 200 participants’ mostly young women and girls between ages 10-24 from across the country which will comprise a mixture of college and high school students, out of school girls, the physically challenged, girls from rural and urban communities, among others.
The conference is expected to conclude with the adoption of a communiqué containing key actions to be implemented by relevant stakeholders to prevent risks and address issues affecting young women and girls.
