The collaborative effort between UNFPA, MOYA and UN Team Pujehun underscores the commitment of the district’s institutions, stakeholders and partners to commemorate the Day of the African Child with the Girls Parliament as a way of combatting Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage in Pujehun district. This initiative will continue to builds on the success of the Young Women Leading Change Innovation Challenge, and further tackle the pressing issue of teenage pregnancy and child marriage, and promote the overall well-being of children and adolescents in the district. Below is a summary profile of the Consortium Organizations aiming to push this drive to a success.
Celebrate International Day of the African Child on June 16th 2025, a day to recognize and celebrate the achievements of children in Africa. The day was first observed in 1991 to commemorate an uprising by students protesting against their unequal access to education in South Africa during apartheid. Since then, it has grown into a global celebration of African children and their resilience despite difficult circumstances they face daily. It is also an opportunity for everyone around the world to help make sure that every child can reach their potential through education and support. This is the more reason the UN Team Pujehun through the Girls’ Parliament is organizing a Girls to Girls Conference as a way to commemorate the Day of the African Child in Pujehun district.
The overarching goal is to end teenage pregnancy and child marriage, including other offenses against girls in Pujehun district. The proposed Girls to Girls Conference has the following objectives:
- To help combat teenage pregnancy
- To help combat child marriage
- To strengthen safe spaces for girls
- To popularize the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024
By organizing a Girls to Girls Conference in commemorating the International Day of the African Child and show support for young girls in Pujehun district will enhance access to education, healthcare, and more viable opportunities. With the theme: ‘’The Role of Girls’ Parliament in Combating Teenage Pregnancy and Child Marriage in Pujehun District’’ will help to show respect to girls and strengthen their power to help eradicate teenage pregnancy and child marriage by helping them (girls) today reach their goals through advocacy.
The Girls to Girls Conference was organized with the members of the Girls Parliament taking the lead in the organization of the conference, public speaking and dialogue, sensitization and campaign, media coverage, entertainment and refreshment, report writing and submission.
Child Marriage and Teenage Pregnancy are complex phenomenon requiring multifaceted interventions. Strategies to tackle child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Pujehun district and Sierra Leone at large, should be designed and implemented through the Girls to Girls Conference and the full implementation and enforcement of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 and other child protection laws.