AYV News, September 29, 2025
Executive Director of Kids Advocacy Network, Edmond Alim B Fornah, organiser of the National Girls Empowerment Forum, has announced that Her Excellency Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor, Former Vice President of the Republic of Liberia, has been confirmed as the Distinguished Guest of Honor at the upcoming Tenth Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum.
The event is scheduled to take place from 10th – 14th October 2025, with the Official Opening Ceremony at the Sierra Leone Parliament on 11th October 2025. This year’s forum will be held under the Distinguished Grand Chief Patronage of H.E. Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor and H.E. Madam Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone.
The National Girls Empowerment Forum, organized annually by Kids Advocacy Network (KAN), has become one of the leading platforms for advancing girls’ leadership, education, and participation in decision making. The forum brings together young girls from across Sierra Leone and beyond to engage in mentorship, training, and intergenerational dialogue with prominent leaders and role models.
As part of its rich and engaging program, the Forum will also feature exemplary women leaders in Sierra Leone who will lecture and mentor participants on critical areas such as leadership, self-esteem, adolescent sexual reproductive health and rights, entrepreneurship, advocacy skills, and more. These sessions are designed to equip girls with the knowledge, confidence, and skills needed to thrive in today’s world.
The event will officially commence with a football match and other games between girls from the provinces and those from Freetown, symbolizing unity and sisterhood through sports and games. The forum will then unfold with trainings, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, before it climaxes with a grand celebration showcasing Tours, Talent Performances, and Cultural Exhibitions that highlight Sierra Leone’s rich diversity and creativity.
In confirming her acceptance, Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor expressed her commitment to supporting initiatives that promote the empowerment of young women and girls across Africa. Known for her advocacy in education, women’s rights, and leadership, her presence at this year’s forum will serve as an inspiration to the next generation of female leaders.
The Tenth Anniversary of the forum marks a significant milestone in the journey of building confidence, resilience, and opportunities for girls. KAN believe that the involvement of such distinguished personalities as H.E. Dr. Jewel Howard Taylor and H.E. Madam Fatima Maada Bio underscores the importance of investing in the empowerment of girls for national and continental development.
