By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Executive Director of Kids Advocacy Network (KAN), Edmond Alim B. Fornah, has confirmed that Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, Former Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, will serve as the Distinguished Guest of Honor at the Tenth Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum in Freetown.
The highly anticipated event will take place from October 10 to 14, 2025, with the official opening ceremony scheduled for October 11 at the Sierra Leone Parliament. This year’s forum will be held under the joint Distinguished Grand Chief Patronage of Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor and Her Excellency Madam Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
According to Fornah, the presence of Dr. Taylor, who has been a strong advocate for women’s rights, education, and political participation across Africa will serve as a source of inspiration for young girls in Sierra Leone and beyond. “We are deeply honored to have Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor join us at this milestone event. Her leadership and lifelong commitment to empowering women make her the perfect role model for the girls who will be participating,” he said.
The National Girls Empowerment Forum has, over the past decade, grown into one of the leading platforms for advancing girls’ leadership, education, and involvement in decision-making processes in Sierra Leone. Organized annually by Kids Advocacy Network, the forum brings together hundreds of young girls from across the country, alongside participants from the wider region.
The program features mentorship sessions, leadership training, and intergenerational dialogues where girls have the opportunity to interact directly with influential leaders, policymakers, and professionals. The goal is to equip them with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to take on leadership roles in their schools, communities, and future careers.
This year’s edition is particularly significant as it marks the tenth anniversary of the forum. Organizers say the milestone underscores the forum’s consistency and impact in shaping the aspirations of young women. Over the years, alumnae of the program have gone on to excel in various sectors, with many attributing their confidence and drive to the mentorship and exposure gained during the forum.
Dr. Taylor’s participation is expected to add international weight to the event, highlighting the shared challenges and opportunities facing women and girls across West Africa. Known for her influential voice on education and gender equality, Dr. Taylor has championed several initiatives aimed at breaking barriers for women in politics and leadership. Her presence in Freetown is anticipated to encourage participants to dream bigger and push harder against societal limitations.
The involvement of Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, further reinforces the government’s support for girls’ empowerment. Madam Bio has consistently advocated for the rights of women and girls through her “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, which seeks to combat early marriage, sexual violence, and barriers to education.
As the forum approaches, excitement continues to build among participants and partners who see it as a unique platform for elevating girls’ voices. For many, the Tenth Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum is not just a celebration of progress but also a renewed call to action for creating an environment where every girl can thrive.
