Empowering Tomorrow: Highlights from the 2024 West African Girls Summit
West Africa Girls Summit
The 2024 West African Girls Summit took place at Liberia's Farmington Hotel from March 26 to 29, 2024, with the overarching aim of empowering adolescent girls in the region and breaking down barriers to their success. The summit coincided with the theme of International Women's Day 2024, which centered on the importance of investing in women to drive progress. The national theme for the event was "INVEST IN HER, INVEST IN ALL."
During the summit, girls were provided with a platform to enhance their leadership skills, build confidence, and articulate the issues that directly impact their lives. This empowerment allowed the girls to recognize their full potential and make informed decisions about their futures. Representatives from various countries across West Africa and beyond participated in the summit, coming together to foster dialogue and champion the rights of young women.
Key activities at the summit included ice-breaking sessions to facilitate networking, powerful spoken word performances, and breakout sessions focusing on critical issues such as child marriage and barriers to education. Gender-specific spaces were also created to explore topics related to gender equality and healthy masculinity.
The summit further featured intergenerational dialogues that provided a space for different age groups to exchange perspectives, policy discussions on how to advance the rights of young women, and a call-to-action session where participants collaboratively developed recommendations for stakeholders. These recommendations emphasized the necessity of investing in girls' agencies, implementing supportive policies, and prioritizing equitable access to education and healthcare for all.
As the event drew to a close, participants expressed gratitude for the opportunity to engage, learn, and collaborate with like-minded individuals. They departed the summit with renewed energy and a shared vision for a brighter, more inclusive future for West African girls. The summit catalyzed positive change and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on all those involved.