Pujehun Pupils Receive Sensitisation on Girls’ Rights and Empowerment
The Young Women in Governance Network Secretariat, in collaboration with SEND Sierra Leone and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, has sensitised pupils in five primary schools across Pujehun District on girls’ rights, education, protection and empowerment as part of activities marking the International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11.
Princess Magbie, Field Officer and District Focal Person for the SAFEGIRL Project at the Young Women in Governance Network, said the exercise aimed to raise awareness about girls’ rights, equal opportunities and the importance of creating supportive learning environments where girls can realise their full potential.
She explained that the initiative forms part of broader efforts to promote gender equality and strengthen child protection. The activities were supported by the Sierra Leone Action for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Eradication and Girls’ Empowerment (SAFEGIRL) Project, through SEND Sierra Leone, with funding support from Terra Projekte and the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in Pujehun District.
Meanwhile, Catherine J. Tucker, Gender Officer at the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs in Pujehun District, expressed appreciation for the engagement and sensitised pupils on challenges affecting girls, including barriers to education, discrimination, teenage pregnancy, child marriage and other harmful practices.
Tucker said the initiative encouraged girls to remain committed to their education, build self-confidence and aspire to leadership positions. She also highlighted the roles of teachers, parents, school authorities and community stakeholders in protecting girls from abuse and discrimination and ensuring access to quality education.
She noted that the International Day of the Girl Child provides a global platform to highlight challenges facing girls and promote their rights, welfare and empowerment.
The beneficiary schools are PDEC Diamie, Ahmadiyya Gombahun, PDEC Bomu, Ahmadiyya Primary School in Gbeworbu and Konia Primary School.
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