The Ministry of Finance and Economic Development (MoFED) in collaboration with UNFPA and partners celebrated this year’s World Population Day on 11 July 2016, on theme, “Investing in Teenage Girls”.

 

The main events of the celebration were held at the Miata Conference Hall, Youyi Building, Freetown.

 

In her statement, the UNFPA Representative, Dr. Kim Dickson noted that every teenage girl has the right to a safe and successful transition to adulthood and the right to embrace the opportunities that the future holds for her. She emphasized that teenagers, especially girls have special needs and vulnerabilities that need to be addressed.

 

‘Young people, especially teenage girls, have specific needs and vulnerabilities that require significant investment and support to ensure they fulfill their potential’, she said.

 

She underscored the need for investing in young people, especially teenage girls, which she said is one of the smartest investments a country can make.

 

‘As parents, teachers and leaders of the next generation, teenage girls can help break the cycle of poverty, strengthen the social fabric and create a sustainable future”.

 

Delivering the keynote address, the Deputy Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Momoh Vandy, who spoke on behalf of Government, noted that they recognize the imperative of providing for the needs of young people, particularly teenage girls. 

 

He called on all to invest in teenage girls and “work together for their empowerment to enable them act as champions of their own destiny and change agents for the transformation of Sierra Leone”.

 

Statements of support were also delivered by the UN Resident Coordinator, Mr Sunil Saigal, The Irish Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Sinead Walsh, the Director of Reproductive and Child Health on behalf of the Ministry of Health & Sanitation, and other partners.

 

Mariam Saimai, a pupil of the Annie Walsh Memorial School and the National Girl’s Camp, delivered a passionate statement on behalf of her colleague emphasising the need for investing in them. 

 

The vote of thanks was delivered by the Country Director, Restless Development, James Fofanah. 

 

UNFPA’s implementing partners, Marie Stopes and Aberdeen Women Centre provided outreach family planning and advocacy services.