As anticipation builds for the Tenth Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum, the Former Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, Her Excellency Chief Dr. Jewel Howard-Taylor, has arrived in Freetown to participate as the Distinguished Guest of Honour at this year’s landmark event.
Madam Taylor, a renowned advocate for women’s leadership, education, and empowerment across Africa, was warmly received at the Sea Coach Terminal in Aberdeen by officials of the Kids Advocacy Network (KAN), organizers of the Forum, alongside Madam Hawa Sally Samai, Executive Secretary for the Independent Commission for Peace and National Cohesion.
The Tenth National Girls Empowerment Forum, themed “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls on the Frontlines in Ending Sexual and Gender-Based Violence and Promoting Inclusive Governance,” will bring together girls from across Sierra Leone for five days of mentorship, dialogue, and capacity building.
Speaking briefly upon arrival, Madam Taylor expressed her delight at returning to Sierra Leone a country she described as “a sister nation with a shared vision for empowering Africa’s daughters.” She emphasized that the progress of the African continent is inseparable from the empowerment and education of girls, calling for continued investment in the next generation of female leaders.
The Former Vice President is expected to grace the official opening ceremony of the Forum on Friday, October 11, 2025, at the Sierra Leone Parliament, where she will deliver a keynote address to inspire participants toward leadership, resilience, and self-confidence.
Other high-profile guests include Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, who will serve as Keynote Speaker, and other influential women.
Over the past decade, the National Girls Empowerment Forum has grown into one of Sierra Leone’s most influential youth platforms creating safe spaces for girls to share experiences, build confidence, and develop leadership skills. This year’s edition is expected to be the most impactful yet, marking ten years of consistent advocacy and transformation in the lives of young women.
