MONROVIA – A vibrant celebration of music and poetry marked the International Day of the Girl Child in Monrovia. The event amplified an urgent call to action. Leaders and youth demanded an end to child marriage in Liberia.
Plan International Liberia hosted the gathering on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. They partnered with the Embassy of Sweden and the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection. The global theme, “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead,” resonated throughout the program. The day began with a parade featuring girls and Plan staff. It culminated in a formal session at the Invincible Park. The event attracted government representatives, diplomats, and youth advocates.
Their goal was to support girls leading change in their communities. In her opening remarks, Plan International Liberia’s Country Director reaffirmed the organization’s core mission. Madam Miriam Murray pledged to advance girls’ rights and eliminate harmful practices like early marriage. She singled out one partner for special praise. “If I could count on any institution that has been steadfast, committed, and consistent, it’s the Swedish Embassy,” Murray stated.
“We will continue to advocate alongside others so that girls’ voices are heard and their rights are protected,” she added. Murray framed the fight as a collective, long-term effort. She described child marriage as the “elephant in the room.” “We stand on the solidarity and strength in the fight for rights and protection of the future of Liberia, the girls,” she said. She called for continued collaboration with all actors to advocate with the government.
Murray emphasized that the one-hour ceremony symbolized a perpetual struggle. “Today, we are doing this in one hour, but that one hour represents one year, two years, and forever,” she declared. “We continue until things change in the positive direction to save our girls and the future of Liberia.” She concluded by highlighting the media’s crucial role in spreading this message. She urged the girls to continue their push for the change they desire.
The Swedish Ambassador to Liberia, Karl Bakius, echoed this support. He praised Liberian girls for their courage and leadership. “Empowering girls and women is not just the right thing to do — it’s the smart thing to do,” Ambassador Bakius stated. “No girl should be married before the age of 18, and no one should be married against their will. We are proud to stand with Liberia in this fight.”
He pointed to Liberia’s historic election of Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as proof that traditions can change.
The event’s keynote speaker delivered a powerful legal and social critique. Attorney Vivian Doe, a Senior Manager at the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court, called early marriage a “violation of human rights.” She urged the government to harmonize customary and statutory laws to protect girls.
“Education is the most powerful weapon we have to fight early marriage,” Doe asserted. “When girls stay in school, they are more likely to lead, earn more, and build healthy families. It is time for us to say enough is enough.” A concrete outcome of the day was a formal petition. Youth representatives from youth advocacy groups presented it. The petition directly urged the Government of Liberia to strengthen enforcement of child protection laws.
It also called for expanded education programs. “We, the young people of Liberia, pledge to stand against early marriage and speak up for the protection of every child,” the petition read. The event also featured reflections from the “Girls Takeover” initiative. This program allows girls to assume leadership roles in various offices for a day. Gleyson Sion, who served as Country Director for the day at Plan International Liberia, shared her experience.
The takeover inspired her to be more proactive. “You don’t wait for people to push you — you take the lead, and others will follow,” she recalled being told by her mentor. Representatives from Medica Liberia, the Ministry of Gender, and the Liberia National Children’s Representative Forum also spoke. They each reaffirmed their dedication to protecting the rights of girls across the nation. As the program closed, one message echoed throughout the park. The fight to end child marriage is far from over. Yet, the next generation of Liberian leaders is already stepping up. They are ready, and they are determined to lead the charge.
