Empowering Women and Girls

• International Day of the Girl Child 2017

Because of preparations for the Presidential and Legislative Elections that took place in Liberia on October 10, 2017, we did not have the national observance of the IDGC as we usually do. This year however, THINK was engaged in conducting Civic and Voter Education targeting first time voters and bringing out issues that affect the Girl Child in Liberia. Girls who would be 18 years old by voting day were sensitized to engage candidates running for seats in the 54^th Legislature to see what they would do to ensure that the Manifesto developed by girls be implemented.

We conducted awareness in 12 communities in District #9, Montserrado County, in increase women and girls’ political participation and due to this awareness using the UN Women Fact Sheet, the female Representative in that diustrict was re-elected, thereby retaining her position in the House of Representatives.

• One of our visually impaired students that receive a lap top computer to enhance his studies at the Tubman University in Maryland County, Liberia, is graduating on November 25, 2017. We are very proud of his achievement and thank our donors that facilitated his studies thus far.
• Preparations are underway by THINK to join other advocates from around the world to observe the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence from November 25 – December 10, 2017, under the Gobal Theme: “Peace In the Home to Peace in the World, Make Education Safe for All” and the National Theme, “Let’s Embrace Our Diversities For Safe Education and a Violence Free Society”. We will continue to engage Adolescent Girls in 10 communities in three counties (Montserrado, Margibi, and Grand Bassa) as well as working with out of school youth (both young men and young women in 3 communities in Monrovia) discussing the prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (SEA) and Sexual and Gender Based Violence (SGBV).
• THINK as a member of the GBV Task Force is speaking out against amending the Rape Law by letting perpetrators get out of prison on bail. A position statement was developed and presented to House of Representatives ‘ Committee on Gender, Equity and Child Development. There was a Protest March held and Civil Society groups have women sitting in public places in protest to the amendment of the Rape Law.
• A deaf girl that has been resident at the Juvenile Transit Center for over a year, was referred to the Oscar Romero School for Deaf in Bomi County where she will learn sign language and attend school. Three girls from the THINK Safe Home have received scholarships to attend a private elementary school to further their education.
• Seven medical doctors from the United Nations Mission In Liberia (UNMIL), including a Dentist, a Gynecologist and the others were Internists, performed medical and dental assessment of the children and provided minor treatment.
• We take this time to thank all of you, our faithful donors, partners and supporters!!!