Monrovia, Liberia – The Liberian government, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and other partners have observed the Day of the African Child. Raising awareness of the significance of the Day of the African Child, the advancements achieved in the child rights movement since 2010, and the effects of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Liberia were the three main goals of the celebration.
Additionally, it was anticipated that the event will boost funding for children and mobilize support from important stakeholders to expedite efforts to eradicate FGM. Underage girls got the chance to raise concerns about FGM, its effects on youth, human rights, and health during the celebration’s panel discussion.
Deputy Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection Laura Golakeh, who was a guest speaker on Friday, June 13, 2025, stated that “As we reflect today, I call on all of us development partners to do more and do better.”
Additionally, Minister Golakeh urged decision-makers, planners, young leaders, civil society, and development partners to increase their efforts to educate women about FGM. According to her, the government and its partners need to make sure that child planning is a top priority on the national agenda rather than an afterthought.
The government must convert plans into meaningful budgets that are sufficiently financed, open, and responsible, according to the Deputy Minister for Gender, Children, and Social Protection.
It is imperative that we establish avenues for children and youth to engage in decision-making that impacts their life. And since what gets measured gets done, we need to put in more effort to monitor the results of our investments in kids,” she continued.
The Deputy Minister described the youth as not just the future, but the present generation. She clarified that in order to continue working toward the Liberia that they are entitled to, where every kid may grow up safe, educated, healthy, and hopeful, the government and its partners need the ideas, enthusiasm, and leadership of the youth.
Deputy Minister Golakeh, however, reiterated the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection’s dedication to promoting children’s rights in all of our plans, budgets, and policies, adding that they would keep collaborating with young people to make sure that no kid is left behind.
Reported by: Prince Saah
