Monrovia – Ruth N. Towah, a dedicated advocate and member of Plan Liberia, has called on the Liberian government, particularly the Boakai-Koung administration, to prioritize youth empowerment and sustainable livelihoods. In a passionate statement, Towah highlighted the challenges faced by young people, especially girls, and urged the government to create opportunities that enable Liberia’s youth to reach their full potential.
By Contributing Writer, Claudius T. Greene, Jr.
Speaking on behalf of UN Women and young Liberian girls during a media engagement in Monrovia as part of the International Day of the Girl Child celebrations, Towah expressed pride in serving as a voice for the often unheard in society.
“I feel incredibly happy, honored, and accomplished to be in this position and to have the opportunity to represent the UN Women country representative,” Towah said. “More importantly, I speak on behalf of other Liberian girls who lack a platform to voice their concerns. I am here to advocate for the voiceless.”
A graduate of Evangel Christian Academy and a member of the Girls Get Equal Campaign – Liberia, Towah is passionate about empowering girls across Liberia. Despite her own challenges, coming from a low-income family, she encouraged Liberian girls to never let their circumstances define or limit them.
“Normally, we girls in Liberia feel that since we don’t have the financial support, we should remain still. But I’m telling you, your condition should never be your stagnation. Don’t look down on yourself; always know that you are somebody, and you possess something within you that society needs,” Towah emphasized.
Towah recounted an experience with a young girl who believed university education was only for the wealthy. Towah encouraged the girl to see beyond her circumstances and recognize her potential. “There are people attending universities who don’t possess the potential you have,” Towah told her, urging all Liberian girls to believe in their own potential.
Addressing the broader issue of youth empowerment, Towah directly appealed to the Boakai-Koung administration. “I’m calling on the government to see the need to improve or provide livelihoods for young people. We need opportunities to serve, to showcase our potential, and to make meaningful contributions to society.”
She stressed the barriers faced by youth, especially girls, including financial constraints and societal expectations that often marginalize young voices. “We often hear that young people are too inexperienced for certain positions, but young people have a great impact on society today. The government must invest in creating opportunities for the youth,” she urged.
Towah also highlighted the importance of education and awareness to address issues like teenage pregnancy, which often leads to school dropouts. “Most of our girls are not progressing due to teenage pregnancy. With better education and awareness, we can make a significant difference,” she noted.
She called on the Ministry of Education and the government to prioritize youth-focused programs, such as radio shows and community outreach, to educate young girls on critical issues like early pregnancy, early marriage, and the importance of education.
Towah concluded by urging the government to empower young people, particularly girls, to rise above their challenges and realize their full potential. “The government needs to create a space for us to express our full potential and make a positive impact in our communities.”
Towah expressed gratitude to UN Women for providing her the platform to voice these concerns and called on the government to continue collaborating with young people to ensure a brighter future for all.
The International Day of the Girl Child, observed annually on October 11, celebrates and amplifies the voices and leadership of girls worldwide. This year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” highlights the importance of empowering girls to shape their futures and the world around them.
