The Girls Advocacy Development Network (GADNet), in collaboration with its partners, has renewed calls for an end to Child Marriage, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Sexual Violence against Girls during an awareness-raising walk held in Freetown on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as part of efforts to promote girls’ rights, education and protection across Sierra Leone.

The advocacy walk, which started at Youyi Building and ended at Family Kingdom, Aberdeen Beach, brought together schoolgirls, advocates and other stakeholders to draw public attention to harmful practices affecting girls and the need for greater investment in their education, safety and development.

The event was organized in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child and ahead of the 7th National Girls Summit, scheduled to take place from October 13 to 17, 2026, in Kenema.

Speaking during the exercise, the Executive Director of the Girls Advocacy Development Network, Samesther Hannah Kargbo, explained that the initiative was designed to raise public awareness, strengthen advocacy and provide a platform for girls to express their concerns about issues affecting their lives.

Samesther Hannah Kargbo said the organisation remains committed to ensuring that girls are protected from harmful traditional practices, sexual violence and other challenges that prevent them from achieving their full potential.

“Our message is clear. End child marriage and invest in girls’ rights and protection,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of sustained Government and partner support in creating opportunities for girls.

According to Samesther Hannah Kargbo, girls deserve an environment where they can pursue their education, develop their talents and participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their future without fear of discrimination, violence or exploitation.

She stressed that protecting girls requires more than public awareness campaigns, noting that continued investment, practical interventions and strong partnerships are necessary to address the challenges they face.

The GADNet Executive Director further explained that the organisation is working to create opportunities for girls to speak openly against harmful practices while encouraging their active participation in discussions and decisions that influence their lives.

Samesther Hannah Kargbo called on the Government, development partners, community leaders and other stakeholders to prioritize girls’ education, welfare and protection, describing such investment as essential to building a better future for Sierra Leone.

She maintained that girls must be given the necessary support, resources and opportunities to develop their abilities and become responsible leaders capable of contributing positively to national development.

Also speaking during the walk, Jeneba J. Jalloh, a student of Methodist Girls High School, described her participation as an important opportunity to advocate for girls’ education and gain a better understanding of the challenges confronting young girls in society.

Jeneba J. Jalloh explained that she became interested in the initiative after her school informed students about the advocacy walk and its objective of ending early marriage while promoting access to education for every child.

“Every child deserves an opportunity to be educated, so that’s what inspired me to join,” she said.

Jeneba J. Jalloh expressed concern over the negative effects of child marriage on girls’ education and future opportunities, urging young girls to remain focused on their studies and resist pressure that could prevent them from achieving their ambitions.

“Do not let anyone push you into early marriage because your future matters and education is the foundation of that future,” she advised.

She further encouraged girls to recognize the importance of education in shaping their lives and preparing them for greater opportunities.

“If you want a better tomorrow, you’ve got to start now and now means school,” Jeneba J. Jalloh emphasized.

The Methodist Girls High School student maintained that every girl deserves the opportunity to complete her education and pursue her dreams without being forced into marriage at an early age.

Another student of Methodist Girls High School, Mariama Sajor Jalloh, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to participate in the advocacy walk, describing the experience as meaningful and educational.

Mariama Sajor Jalloh said the exercise provided a platform for girls to raise awareness about gender-based violence and speak against harmful practices that continue to threaten their safety, education and future.

She emphasized that girls must understand both their rights and responsibilities, particularly the importance of making informed decisions and avoiding negative influences that could affect their personal development.

Mariama Sajor Jalloh encouraged her fellow girls to reject child marriage, resist negative peer pressure and remain committed to their education and personal growth.

She further stressed the importance of empowering girls with the knowledge and confidence needed to protect themselves and speak out against practices that undermine their rights and wellbeing.

The awareness walk forms part of GADNet’s broader advocacy efforts to strengthen girls’ protection, promote equal educational opportunities and encourage greater public participation in addressing challenges affecting young girls across Sierra Leone.

The initiative also serves as a build-up to the 7th National Girls Summit in Kenema, where participants are expected to engage in discussions on girls’ rights, education, protection and empowerment.

The summit is expected to provide another opportunity for girls and stakeholders to examine challenges affecting their development and identify practical measures to improve their welfare and future prospects.

Through the advocacy walk and the forthcoming summit, GADNet and its partners hope to strengthen public commitment towards ending child marriage, female genital mutilation and sexual violence while promoting a society where every girl has the opportunity to grow, learn and achieve her full potential. https://thecalabashnewspaper.com/archives/65298