The Girls Advocacy Development Network (GADNet), in collaboration with its partners, organized an awareness-raising walk in Freetown, Sierra Leone, to advocate for an end to child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The event aimed to raise public consciousness regarding these harmful practices. Participants commenced the walk at Youyi Building and concluded their journey at Family Kingdom, located on Aberdeen Beach, Freetown. This demonstration showed the collective effort to promote the rights and safety of girls in the country, drawing attention to critical issues that impact their well-being and future prospects. The walk served as a visible public statement, bringing together various stakeholders to champion the cause of girls' rights.
Advocacy Goals and Context
The Freetown walk aimed to raise public attention regarding harmful practices affecting girls and advocate for their rights, education, and protection throughout Sierra Leone. Girls Advocacy Development Network (GADNet) organized the event as part of its broader advocacy efforts. GADNet seeks to strengthen girls’ protection, promote equal educational opportunities, and encourage greater public participation in these issues. The advocacy walk also served as a precursor to the 7th National Girls Summit. This significant upcoming event is scheduled to take place from October 13 to 17, 2026, in Kenema, noting a long-term commitment to addressing these critical concerns at a national level. The walk itself was a strategic step in building momentum and public engagement ahead of the summit, ensuring that the issues remain at the forefront of national dialogue. GADNet’s full approach emphasizes both grassroots activism and high-level policy engagement to effect lasting change for girls across the nation.
Voices from the Walk
The awareness-raising walk occurred on Saturday, October 10, 2026, in Freetown. Participants included students from various institutions, among them Jeneba J. Jalloh, a student of Methodist Girls High School. Another student from Methodist Girls High School, Mariama Sajor Jalloh, also took part in the event. Their presence showed the direct impact of the issues on young women and girls in Sierra Leone, making the advocacy efforts more tangible and relatable. The students joined other advocates and community members in the collective effort to highlight the urgent need to end child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. Their participation brought a youthful energy and a powerful message to the streets of Freetown, demonstrating that the next generation is actively engaged in shaping a safer future for girls. The demonstration aimed to amplify the voices of those affected by these practices and call for stronger protective measures and policy enforcement. Their participation helped to visually represent the target demographic for the advocacy efforts, reinforcing the message that the practices directly affect their lives and futures. The event provided a platform for students like Ms. Jalloh and Ms. Jalloh to visibly support the campaign for girls' rights and safety, showcasing their commitment to social change. Their involvement served as an inspiring example for their peers and the wider community, illustrating the importance of youth engagement in national advocacy.
Call to Action
The awareness-raising walk was organized in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, an event dedicated to noting the challenges girls face globally and promoting their empowerment. This global observance provided a fitting backdrop for the local advocacy efforts in Freetown, connecting the community's actions to a broader international movement for girls' rights. Samesther Hannah Kargbo, the Executive Director of the Girls Advocacy Development Network (GADNet), emphasized the importance of sustained efforts against harmful traditional practices. Ms. Kargbo noted that while the walk was a significant step, continuous vigilance and action are required to dismantle entrenched customs that harm girls. GADNet, as the primary organizer, aims to continue advocating for policies and interventions that protect girls from child marriage and Female Genital Mutilation. The network's leadership showed the need for community engagement and governmental action to ensure girls' rights are upheld across Sierra Leone. This call to action extends to all levels of society, from local communities to national policymakers, urging a unified approach to safeguard the future of young girls. GADNet remains committed to working with all stakeholders to achieve a Sierra Leone where every girl can live free from violence and discrimination, fulfilling her full potential.
