MONROVIA – With support from Plan International, the Girls Health Alliance (GHA) has launched a new project; Sustainable Tough Action for Gender Equality (STAGE) project aimed at empowering adolescent girls and young women important knowledge and life skills to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.
By Emmanuel Weedee-Conway
The project, which was launched in Paynesville over the weekend, is geared to bridge existing gaps in youth education by promoting menstrual hygiene while at the same time encouraging active participation in decisions that affect young people’s lives.
As part of its rollout, 40 young individuals will be trained as peer educators, enabling them to lead awareness campaigns in schools and communities.
In addition to youth engagement, the project will collaborate closely with parents, educators, and community leaders to reduce stigma around sensitive topics and foster open, supportive dialogue.
The STAGE Project will also focus on improving access to youth-friendly health services by partnering with local clinics. Efforts will include menstrual health education, with training on reusable sanitary pads, as well as strengthening school and community health clubs to serve as safe spaces for learning and peer support.
Speaking to this paper, the Project Coordinator of GHA, Madam Sioline Kolubah, pointed out that this approach will help create safer environments for young people to learn and express themselves.
She explains that the program intends to empower adolescent girls by teaching them body autonomy, confidence, and methods for preventing teenage pregnancy and sexual abuse.
Sponsored by Plan International, she furthers that the six-month pilot program will operate within Montserrado County with the hope for expansion in the nearest future.
In addition to the training 40 young leaders to educate their peers, Sioline indicated that the initiative also seeks to establish safe spaces where youth can openly discuss health concerns and advocate for their well-being.
“I want to use this platform to urge parents and community leaders to support these efforts to ensure a safer and more informed environment for all local adolescents. We want to applaud our many participants here today for taking off their time to be with us,” added Sioline.
Participants at the launch also shared their perspectives on issues affecting women and young girls generally and discussed possible solutions to these issues.
GHA is a Monrovia-based organization that focuses on promoting health, education, and equality for adolescent girls and young women. GHA works to empower girls through advocacy against gender-based violence (GBV), promoting sexual reproductive health rights, and combating harmful traditional practices, including advocating for the end of FGM.
