KAKATA, MARGIBI COUNTY, LIBERIA — October 21, 2026: The Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) Liberia Chapter has called for increased investment in girls’ education, protection, and empowerment, emphasizing the need to address child marriage and other barriers that prevent girls from realizing their full potential.
The call was made during the observance of the International Day of the Girl Child in Kakata, Margibi County, under the theme, “Ending Child Marriage in Liberia: Investing in Her Rights and Potential.”
The celebration brought together students, school administrators, government representatives, and civil society stakeholders for discussions on girls’ rights, educational opportunities, skills development, and career advancement.
FAWE Liberia Encourages Girls to Pursue STEM and TVET
Speaking at the event, Madam Varnetta Johnson Freeman, Program Coordinator at FAWE Liberia, said the observance was an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of helping girls and women recognize, develop, and maximize their potential.
She encouraged girls to pursue opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), as well as Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), to acquire relevant knowledge and practical skills for their future careers.
Madam Freeman emphasized that girls possess the same potential as boys and should be afforded equal opportunities to succeed in education, leadership, and professional life. She further underscored the importance of challenging gender stereotypes that discourage girls from entering traditionally male-dominated fields.
TVET Trainer Challenges Gender Stereotypes
Mrs. Lorpu Darku, a Technical and Vocational Education and Training trainer at the Booker Washington Institute (BWI), encouraged girls and young women to consider vocational education as a pathway to skills development, employment, and economic independence.
She observed that some girls perceive TVET as a field primarily intended for boys and urged them to move beyond such perceptions.
Mrs. Darku stressed that technical and vocational education is relevant to everyone, regardless of gender, and equips young people with practical skills for employment, entrepreneurship, and professional growth.
Health Professional Encourages Girls to Consider Nursing
Meanwhile, Madam Dorothy Q. Barcolleh, Chief Executive Officer of Barcolleh Health Center in Kakata, encouraged girls and young women to explore opportunities in nursing and other health-related professions.
She highlighted the importance of the health sector in serving communities and improving societal well-being, urging girls to pursue careers that align with their interests, abilities, and aspirations.
Her remarks reinforced the need to expose girls to diverse educational and professional pathways, enabling them to make informed decisions about their futures.
Participants Commend FAWE Liberia’s Initiative
Participants praised FAWE Liberia for organizing the observance, describing it as a valuable opportunity to learn more about girls’ rights, educational opportunities, and career pathways.
The discussions provided a platform for students to engage with educators and professionals on issues affecting girls and women, while encouraging them to make informed decisions about their education and personal development.
The engagement also highlighted the shared responsibility of families, schools, government institutions, civil society organizations, and community leaders in protecting girls and supporting their aspirations.
Investing in Girls’ Rights and Potential
The observance renewed attention to the need to end child marriage, protect girls’ rights, and expand access to quality education and skills training.
Addressing these challenges requires sustained commitment and collaboration among stakeholders to create an environment where girls can remain in school, pursue their preferred careers, develop their talents, and participate fully in society.
The International Day of the Girl Child is observed annually on October 11. Established by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 66/170 to recognize girls’ rights and draw attention to the unique challenges they face around the world. It provides an opportunity for governments, civil society organizations, communities, and other stakeholders to promote girls’ empowerment and advance the fulfillment of their human rights. https://lnkd.in/gn6uQwz
Through the observance of the International Day of the Girl Child, FAWE Liberia reaffirmed its commitment to promoting gender-responsive education and advocating for greater opportunities for girls and young women across Liberia.
Every girl deserves to be protected, educated, and empowered to shape her future. Investing in her rights and potential is an investment in Liberia’s development.
