Freetown, 11 October, 2023 / 8:33 pm (ACI Africa).
In their pursuit for formal education, many Sierra Leonean girls still grapple with a myriad of challenges including poverty, domestic violence and retrogressive practices such as female genital mutilation (FGM) and early marriages.
In his message on the International Day of the Girl Child that was celebrated on Wednesday, October 11, the Executive Director of Caritas Freetown in Sierra Leone, Fr. Peter Konteh, lauded girls who are working hard against these challenges to be successful in life.
“Sierra Leone has witnessed incredible success stories of resilience and determination among its girl children. Many girls have defied societal expectations and overcome adversity to pursue their dreams and become change-makers in their communities,” Fr. Konteh said.
He added, “Caritas Freetown celebrates and applauds these remarkable achievements, and we are committed to amplifying their voices, providing mentorship, and creating opportunities for them to thrive.”
According to the Caritas Freetown Executive Director, the International Day of the Girl Child serves as a global reminder of the challenges girls face and the importance of empowering them to become agents of change in their respective communities.