By Maria Creamer
Global Fund for Children
In April, we hosted the first West Africa Adolescent Girls Summit in Liberia. The summit explored the many issues facing young people in the region and equipped them with advocacy tools to mobilize change. Six months later, we caught up with five young people who participated in the three-day event.
Why did you decide to attend the Adolescent Girls Summit?
"When I learned that the summit was designed to attract adolescents from diverse backgrounds, I decided to attend to learn about issues that affect us adolescents from different perspectives."
- Gitta Brima, 19, Sierra Leone
"I decided to attend because both boys and girls should work as one body to achieve equality."
- Professor William Daniel Mattia, 17, Sierra Leone
"Several opportunities, such as getting a platform to interact with my peers, getting a learning space for exploration, and building my advocacy skills, raised my urge to attend."
- Khalida Mariama Tamu, 18, Sierra Leone
Immediately afterward, how do you remember feeling?
"I had mixed feelings. I felt good that I had learned a lot of life-changing skills and perspectives. I also felt bad when I learned about the negative consequences of female genital cutting, because I'm a victim."
- Gitta Brima
"Immediately after the summit, I felt that it was great, as it created a safe space to discuss sensitive issues that society has long frowned on talking about; brought friendships, which have now transformed into sisterhood; and taught me to own the space."
- Khalida Mariama Tamu
What was the biggest thing you learned?
"The biggest thing I learned was comprehensive sexuality education, which taught me that I have autonomy over my body."
- Gitta Brima
"The biggest thing I learnt was that the concept of women being the weaker vessel is all fallacy and is a result of culture, tradition, and society."
- Khalida Mariama Tamu
How are you applying what you learned?
"I used to be a shy person, but as a result of the summit, I am now outspoken. In my community, with support from CASE SALONE, I engage adolescents on a weekly life skills program. I'm now a proud influencer and a champion for change."
- Gitta Brima
"Previously, I was that shy girl that hardly talked or participated in any discussion about the issues girls are facing, but since the summit, I have built my confidence and focus on my goals as a girl."
- Tity Memunatu Samantha Sannoh, 17, Sierra Leone
What future goals do you have?
"My goal is to continue my education and become an independent successful woman who can strive without a man. Also, I aim to be a lawyer for women, a positive change maker in my community."
- Khalida Mariama Tamu
"My goal is to open a big foundation where I will produce menstrual pads and body odor spray and cream for girls who can't afford to buy them. And I want to become the greatest female accountant in and out of Sierra Leone."
- Tity Memunatu Samantha Sannoh
Originally published on Global Fund for Children