Girls have been marginalized for generations, and it’s time to change that. In commemoration of this year’s International Day of the Girl Child, Caritas Freetown Justice and Peace Commission, in collaboration with Civil Peace Service and Trocaire, organized a community sensitization event under the theme “Our Time is Now-Our Right, Our Future.” This event aimed to shed light on the challenges faced by girls and create an action plan for change.
“It takes a society to build up a child,” said a teacher, encapsulating the essence of the event.
During this gathering, various stakeholders, including school girls, religious leaders, community members, teachers, and social workers, discussed the discrimination faced by girls and how to promote their equal rights. Paul Abraham Mansaray, representing the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, emphasized the importance of addressing violence against girls and urged parents to collaborate with the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Unit.
Tobias Max Grosse, the representative of Civil Peace Service, highlighted the significance of the International Day of the Girl Child, emphasizing the vulnerability of girls and the need for support. Aminata Onikek Koroma, a young participant, shared her experiences, revealing the lack of attention from parents.
This event’s stakeholders and dignitaries created an action plan to provide equal opportunities for girls. It’s a collective effort to fight discrimination against the girl child, with a dream of a world where girls have the same opportunities as boys, where they reach for the sky without fear, and where communities support them, creating a world free from fear and violence. “Empowering Girls: Breaking Barriers and Building Futures” showcases the power of unity and determination in creating a better future for girls.
