Monrovia, Liberia — Globally 1 in 4 girls aged 15–19 years is neither employed nor in education or training compared to 1 in 10 boys of the same age. Global pandemic, political and economic factors made things even more difficult for millions of girls, particularly those in marginalized communities.

In Liberia, as in many parts of the world, girls are faced with challenges – and continue to face numerous barriers including limited social protections, along with persistent gender stereotypes and discriminatory cultural practices that continue to block girls and young women from reaching their full potential.

Yet it is possible to change this, accelerating progress towards a future in which every girl can obtain the quality health care, education, and skills she needs to succeed.

The Liberia 2021 National Policy on Girls’ Education, section 2.3 (a) and (b), states that the government and stakeholders should mobilize and allocate specific funds to promote girls’ education in every region. They should also provide practical means to ensure the implementation of the National Policy on Girls’ Education, guaranteeing that girls have full and equal access to quality basic education.

Girls’ vision for the future

The theme of this year’s International Day of the Girl is ‘Girls’ Vision for the Future’ reflects findings from UNICEF analysis, which shows that girls are not only courageous in the face of challenges, but hopeful for the future. Every day, they are taking action to realize a vision of a world in which all girls are protected, respected, and empowered.

One such girl is that of 12-year-old Angela, a young girl with big dreams, a fearless heart, and an unwavering determination to succeed.

Angela spends her afternoons at an Art class, balancing her time between school and her newfound passion. She works diligently alongside the boys, learning how to use the equipment, mix colors, and perfect designs. Each day brings new challenges, but Angela tackles them head-on, driven by her goal to become a professional printer someday.

“I want to show that girls can do this work, too,” she says confidently. “It doesn’t matter if you’re a boy or a girl — if you work hard, you can be good at anything,” says Angela.

Her resilience has also inspired some of the boys she works with. Many of them now see her as an equal and admire her dedication to learning the craft.

“My teacher always tells me, ‘You are strong, and you can do this.’ That helps me keep going,” Angela says with a smile.

As she continues to hone her skills, Angela is setting a powerful example for other girls in her school — and beyond. Evidence shows that with the right support, resources and opportunities, the potential of the world’s more than 1.1 billion girls is limitless. And when girls lead, the impact is immediate

“It’s time to listen to girls, and to invest in programs that will accelerate progress towards a future in which every girl can fulfill her potential,” says Prosper Ndione, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia.

According to him, with the right support girls, will make a bigger impact. “We are calling on the government to step up her commitments to address the pressing challenges girls face,” said Mr. Ndione.

Written by Joseph Joboe, SOS Children’s Villages in Liberia Communications Brand & Advocacy Coordinator