By: G. Bennie Bravo Johnson, I.
In a bid to support the Government of Liberia’s efforts to empower adolescent girls, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UNICEF, with funding from the Government of Ireland’s International Development Programme, officially launched the joint initiative titled “Protect, Empower, Nurture – Harnessing the Full Potential of Adolescent Girls in Liberia”
The initiative launched on Thursday, April 10, 2025, aims to strengthen national and local institutions—including community structures—to create an enabling environment for adolescent girls to access quality, adolescent-friendly sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) and nutrition services. The project targets the reduction of teenage pregnancy, improvement of health outcomes, and reduction of anemia among adolescent girls. It also seeks to expand access to adolescent-friendly services, increase girls’ participation in decision-making platforms at both local and national levels, and challenge harmful social norms through sustained community engagement.
The UN Resident Coordinator in Liberia, Christine N. Umutoni, emphasized that the joint program, implemented in collaboration with the Liberian Government, UNFPA, and UNICEF, addresses the unique challenges adolescent girls face in Liberia. She highlighted that adolescent girls represent 35% of the population and face issues such as high rates of unintended pregnancies (30%), malnutrition, gender-based violence, and harmful practices including female genital mutilation (FGM).
Ambassador Umutoni commended the Irish Government for its support, stating:
“The generous support of the Irish Government signifies a deep belief in the potential of every girl—especially during these challenging times. This investment is not just about programs; it’s about creating sustainable systems that will support adolescent girls for generations to come.”
She further called on all stakeholders—government institutions, development partners, civil society, the private sector, traditional and religious leaders, parents, and youth—to work together to ensure every adolescent girl is healthy, safe, confident, informed, and empowered to lead.
Providing an overview of the programme, UNFPA Deputy Country Representative and Officer-in-Charge, Leonard Kamugisha, described the initiative as a powerful testament to UNFPA’s unwavering commitment to the health, well-being, and empowerment of adolescent girls across Liberia.
He noted that adolescent girls, who make up approximately 35% of Liberia’s population, are a key demographic for driving sustainable development. However, they continue to face numerous vulnerabilities:
Teenage pregnancy affects 31% of girls, often leading to school dropout, limited economic opportunities, and increased health risks.
Many girls initiate sexual activity between ages 14 and 16, yet 47% of sexually active girls do not use modern contraception, resulting in 32% becoming mothers by age 19.
Limited access to SRHR services contributes to unintended pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and STIs.
An estimated 60% of obstetric fistula cases occur among adolescent girls.
Harmful practices like FGM elevate risks during childbirth.
55% of adolescent girls suffer from anemia, which impacts pregnancy and contributes to intergenerational cycles of undernutrition.
Kamugisha acknowledged that while the Liberian Government has developed a National Adolescent Empowerment Strategy, gaps remain in implementation, scale, and access. He noted that this new program directly addresses those shortcomings.
The joint initiative, funded by the Embassy of Ireland with a total budget of USD 7 million, will be implemented from 2024 to 2029 across Grand Gedeh, River Cess, and Montserrado counties. The program targets 107,501 adolescent girls—especially the most vulnerable—ensuring they are protected, empowered, and able to access comprehensive social services in safe, inclusive environments.
Speaking at the event, Christina Quayou, National Adolescent Girls Coordinator, shared stories of the struggles faced by adolescent girls and commended UNFPA and its partners for the initiative. However, she urged stakeholders not to wait for international observances to act.
“One major issue we face is the stigma and lack of menstrual hygiene support. Should girls drop out of school because of menstruation? NO! I urge sector ministries—health, gender, and education—to make pads and clean water available in schools and communities so girls can stay in school during their periods. We need more than just speeches and photos on international days—we need sustainable solutions.”
She added, “By age 16, half of adolescent girls are sexually active. Without access to accurate information and services, including contraception, these experiences often result in disease or unwanted pregnancy. Equipping girls with knowledge about sexual health and rights is vital to helping them navigate life safely and confidently.”
