Women and Girls Protective Service Commemorates Girl Power Summit 2026

-Women and Girls Protective Service engaged advocacy groups, development partners, civil society organisations (CSOs) and child protection institutions. Girl Power Summit 2026 was held. Venue: Port Loko District. Date: October 13. Theme: 'Eliminating Harmful Traditional Practices and Early Forced Marriage.'

The summit, supported by Save the Children, took place in Port Loko District and provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the protection of girls’ rights and make commitments to addressing harmful traditional practices and early forced marriage.

In her welcome address, the Head of the Women and Girls Protective Service, Kadiatu Tholley, thanked the supporting partners and stakeholders for attending the summit and contributing to efforts to protect girls’ rights and eliminate harmful practices.

Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Basic and Senior Secondary Education, Madam Emily Kadiatu Gogra, highlighted the importance of girls’ education and access to social opportunities in promoting their empowerment and personal development.

Gogra encouraged girls to remain focused on their education and self-development, while urging national and district stakeholders to support initiatives that protect girls’ rights at both community and national levels.

The Mayor of Port Loko District, His Worship Alie Badara Tarawallie, emphasised policies and highlighted existing community-level measures to protect girls from early pregnancy and school dropout.

He cited restrictions on night-time social activities in schools as one measure aimed at addressing these challenges. He also highlighted the role of positive parenting, child welfare programmes, education and responsible social media use in strengthening child protection and promoting girls’ education.

The event also included a panel discussion on female genital mutilation (FGM), involving representatives from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), civil society organisations and child protection partners. The event concluded with certificates presented to development partners and girls who had completed vocational training programmes.

The summit highlights the importance of collective efforts to protect girls’ rights, keep them in school and prevent harmful practices that threaten their safety and future.

Correspondent-Kelvin Mark Kargbo