The United Team of Pujehun District, commonly known as UN Team Pujehun, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Ministry of Youth Affairs (MoYA), officially launched the Girls Parliament in Pujehun District. The launch event took place at the Pujehun District Council Hall in Pujehun town, with the theme: “Girls Too Challenge: Abolish Teenage Pregnancy and Create Safe Spaces for Girls.”
In her statement, Khadija Fawundu, the Team Lead representing UN Team Pujehun, explained that the Girls Parliament aims to address critical issues such as teenage pregnancy and child marriage while empowering young girls through advocacy and leadership opportunities. She highlighted that the parliament would bring together representatives from all fourteen chiefdoms in Pujehun District, allowing them to serve as parliamentarians and amplify the voices of their peers, championing reforms in child welfare and related areas.
Khadija concluded by calling on the support of all stakeholders to invest in the Girls Parliament, ensuring the creation of safe spaces for girls in the district.
Mohamed Kallon, Chairman of the Pujehun District Youth Council and a member of the United Team of Pujehun, emphasised that the initiative aims not only to create safer environments for girls but also to nurture future leaders by providing a platform for career development and female empowerment. He also noted that the collaborative effort between UNFPA, MoYA, and the United Team of Pujehun District reflects the district’s commitment to addressing the issues of teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and other forms of abuse against girls.
Kallon further stated that to sustain the Girls Parliament, the team had provided five lawyers to offer free legal services on cases related to teenage pregnancy, child marriage, and other child-related abuses. Additionally, the parliament will be established at the secondary school level across the district.
Ibrahim Swaray, Chairman of the Civil Society Movement in Pujehun District, expressed his appreciation for the launch of the Girls Parliament and described the event as a historic moment in the transformation of girls in the district. He called for strong collaboration among civil society organizations to promote and protect girls’ rights in Pujehun.
Former Honourable Member of Parliament, Sualiho M. Koroma, described the initiative as an important platform for girls to discuss their roles and responsibilities in society. He encouraged participants to actively engage in discussions and activities, such as radio programs, focus group discussions, and debates, which would empower them to play a more significant role in their communities.
Haja Sufiatu Tunis Kiawu, Chief Executive Officer of the Community Response Group, commended the United Team of Pujehun District for their efforts and expressed her support for the Girls Parliament. She stressed the importance of collective action to sustain the initiative and empower girls in the district.
In her keynote address, Honourable Mariama Muania Zombo, a guest of honour, praised the United Team of Pujehun District for launching the Girls Parliament and thanked the organisers for inviting her to speak at the event. She emphasised that the Girls Parliament would focus on empowering girls through legislative training, policy advocacy, leadership, and decision-making processes. Honourable Zombo also highlighted the government’s commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls, referencing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022. She encouraged girls to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Girls Parliament to further their education and actively contribute to national development.
The keynote speaker shared a recent report from Doctors With Africa – Cuamm, which revealed that one-third of girls have experienced live births, and six percent have had their first child while still minors. She stressed the importance of addressing teenage pregnancy and child marriage and urged everyone to support the Girls Parliament initiative to create a brighter future for girls in Pujehun District.
The event concluded with the official launch of the Girls Parliament, the administering of the Oath of Office to the Speaker of the Girls Parliament, Michaella Hawa Jal, and a series of cultural performances, including a poem by Isata G. Massaquoi. Participants also signed the launching certificate, and the Girls Parliament was officially inaugurated.
In her inaugural speech, Michaella Hawa Jal expressed her gratitude to the UN Team Pujehun, UNFPA, MoYA, and other partners for their support. She pledged to ensure that the Girls Parliament creates a safe and supportive environment for girls to thrive and fight against gender-based violence, child marriages, and other harmful practices.
The event was a significant step toward empowering girls in Pujehun District, and the Girls Parliament promises to be a key platform for advocating for their rights and well-being.
