By Hassan Osman Kargbo
Sierra Leone’s 2025 National Girls Summit has once again reaffirmed the country’s growing commitment to promoting girls’ rights, leadership, and equality. Organized by the Girls Advocacy Development Network (GADNet) with support from ActionAid through its Girl Lead Research Project and the Global Programme to End Child Marriage (GPECM), the five-day summit was held in Makeni under the inspiring theme “Girls Leading Change.”
The event brought together over 500 participants, including young girls, boys, advocates, and development partners, all united by a shared goal to create a society where girls can thrive and lead without barriers. The summit provided a vibrant platform for amplifying the voices of girls across Sierra Leone and celebrating the tangible progress achieved through collective advocacy.
One of the most significant achievements celebrated at the summit was the successful passage of the Child Marriage Bill, a landmark law that was strongly championed by young advocates through the Girls’ Manifesto. The law represents a major victory in the ongoing fight to protect girls from early and forced marriages, marking a turning point in the country’s efforts to safeguard the rights and future of girls.
Another milestone highlighted was the launch of Safe Havens in Freetown, Masampa, and Tombo. These community-based centers provide girls with essential psychosocial support, mentorship, and empowerment opportunities. The safe spaces are designed to protect vulnerable girls from abuse while helping them build confidence and resilience to lead meaningful change in their communities.
Empowerment was not just a theme but a lived reality reflected in the summit’s outcomes. Over 1,200 girls have received leadership and entrepreneurship training through various programs supported by ActionAid and its partners. Remarkably, about 40 percent of them have already launched their own small businesses, demonstrating how education and empowerment can directly contribute to economic independence.
Leadership development also took center stage, with more than 200 girls now leading advocacy campaigns in their communities. According to organizers, at least 40 percent of these young leaders have taken on formal leadership roles, influencing decision-making processes at local and district levels. Their efforts are driving awareness on key issues such as gender equality, reproductive health, education, and child protection.
The movement for equality is also expanding beyond girls. Over 300 male champions are now actively supporting gender equality and promoting positive masculinity. These young men are playing a crucial role in changing harmful gender norms and encouraging respect and partnership between boys and girls.
Speaking during the closing ceremony, a representative from ActionAid described the summit as “a celebration of courage, leadership, and hope.” She emphasized that the collaboration between GADNet, ActionAid, UNICEF, and UNFPA shows what is possible when organizations work together to uplift girls and promote inclusive development.
The National Girls Summit stands as a beacon of progress, proving that when girls are empowered, entire communities benefit. By creating opportunities for education, leadership, and entrepreneurship, Sierra Leone is nurturing a generation of confident, capable young women who are ready to shape a more equal and just society.
