Celebrating The International Day of the Girl

Published Wed, Oct 30, 2024
Written by Dana Kaltenberger

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In commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child (IDGC), EduNations, in collaboration with the National Commission for Children (NCC), held a consultative meeting at EduNations Hope Academy Senior Secondary School in Rokassa. The event, themed "Girls' Vision for the Future," sought to address critical challenges faced by girls in the community, including gender-based violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM).

Background on the International Day of the Girl Child

The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011. It aims to raise awareness about the unique challenges faced by girls globally, such as education inequality, access to healthcare, child marriage, and gender-based violence. The day emphasizes the need for urgent action and celebrates progress toward empowering girls, promoting their human rights, and encouraging investment in their education and leadership development.

This year’s theme, "Girls' Vision for the Future," highlights the importance of girls’ voices in shaping a future where they can thrive, urging communities to act in response to the pressing needs of girls.

The Consultation Meeting

The consultation meeting, hosted in Rokassa's Multipurpose Hall, opened with a prayer and an introduction of the dignitaries in attendance, including:

• The Paramount Chief of Masimera Chiefdom
• Community stakeholders from Rokassa, Mabumkra, and Maforay Bab
• EduNations Education Secretary
• Social workers from the Rokassa community
• NCC team members
• Rokassa school administration and additional dignitaries

Purpose of the Meeting

The chairman of the event highlighted the main objective: to address issues affecting girls in the community, such as FGM, child marriage, teenage pregnancy, child abuse, and drug use. In his remarks, Paramount Chief Bai Simera Naise Kapen III reaffirmed the need for community involvement in protecting children, emphasizing his commitment to combating harmful practices like FGM and child marriage. The chief also warned of strict disciplinary measures for those involved in such practices and expressed support for initiatives aimed at curbing drug abuse in the chiefdom.

Chief Kapen also addressed a recent complaint from EduNations regarding livestock management in the Rokassa community, warning elders that any future infractions could result in disciplinary actions.

Presentations and Key Activities

Representatives from the NCC delivered presentations focusing on the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, the issue of FGM, and awareness about teenage pregnancy and drug abuse. The event also included skits performed by students, designed to raise awareness about these challenges and encourage community members to take action.

Key activities included:

• A community consultative meeting to popularize the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024
• Discussions on the issue of FGM
• Student-led skits highlighting the impact of teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and drug abuse
• A question-and-answer session to engage attendees on these critical topics

The meeting concluded with stakeholders signing an undertaking, committing to refrain from initiating children into harmful practices such as FGM without their consent once they reach the age of 18.

Voices for Change

Several influential voices shared their perspectives during the event, including:

• Salimatu Mary Kamara, Child Protection Agent at EduNations Hope Academy: "I stand against the harmful practices of FGM and child marriage in my community. We must break the silence and unite to protect the rights of our girls. FGM is a violation of human rights, and we must act together to end it."

• Kadiatu Sillay, SSS 3 Student at EduNations Hope Academy: "As a girl, I will continue raising awareness every single day that FGM is wrong. Child marriage and teenage pregnancy are not different from rape. Every girl child matters."

• Salimatu Kamara, Women's Leader in Rokassa Community: "As a leader and a mother, I endorse the fight against FGM. We must all take action to protect the health and rights of our girls, ensuring they are safe from harmful practices and can pursue their dreams."

 

A Joint Effort for Change

The meeting, chaired by EduNations Education Secretary Mr. Michael A. Turay, was a testament to the ongoing collaboration between EduNations and NCC. Together, they are working to empower girls and ensure their safety and well-being in Sierra Leone.

As the Government of Sierra Leone, alongside the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, continues to prioritize girls' education and protection, EduNations and its partners remain committed to creating a future where every girl can thrive, free from harm and inequality.