Voices for Justice: Adolescent Girls Driving Change in Liberia

As Liberia advances its transitional justice efforts toward the establishment of a War and Economic Crimes Court, the United Nations is working alongside national partners to ensure that young people are not only informed about the past—but empowered to shape a more just, peaceful future. 

For 18-year-old Fatumata, justice once felt distant—something spoken about, but rarely seen. Growing up in a multigenerational household, she learned early that silence was often expected, even when harm was done.

Like many girls in Liberia, her experience reflects a wider reality. Violence at home often went unchallenged, and accountability remained elusive. Yet today, Fatumata is part of a growing movement of young people transforming silence into action. 

Confronting the Legacy of Conflict

Liberia’s civil wars (1989–1997 and 1999–2003) left deep scars. More than 50,000 lives were lost, and communities continue to grapple with trauma, loss, and unresolved injustices. Survivors—including women, former child soldiers and families of victims—carry lasting physical and psychological wounds. 

Despite this painful legacy, there is a strong and growing commitment—shared by the Government of Liberia and supported by the United Nations—to advance justice, accountability, and reconciliation as pillars for sustainable peace.

For adolescent girls like Fatumata, this national process is not abstract. It is deeply personal.

Young Voices at the Center of Justice

Through the Grade School Ambassadorial and Internship Programme (GSAIP)—led by the Office for the Establishment of the War and Economic Crimes Court for Liberia (OWECC-L) and supported by UNICEF—young people are being equipped with knowledge and leadership skills to actively engage in justice processes. 

The programme builds on the success of the 2025 Grade School Ambassadorial and Internship Summit and is part of broader UN-supported efforts to promote child protection, social accountability, and civic engagement. 

Through school-based Justice, Accountability and Rule of Law Clubs (JAR Clubs), students learn about Liberia’s history, develop conflict resolution skills, and promote values such as non-violence, integrity, and active citizenship. 

For Fatumata, participation in GSAIP marked a turning point.

“When we are young, we need to take accountability, because teaching young people to be accountable for their actions from a young age makes them less likely to repeat the past.” 

Listening to testimonies from survivors helped her better understand the past—and find her voice in the present. What was once silence has become advocacy.

From Learning to Leadership

Armed with new confidence, Fatumata began applying her skills at school and within her community. As a member of her school’s JAR Club, she helps mediate conflicts among peers, encouraging dialogue and non-violent solutions. 

Her transformation reflects a broader shift supported by the United Nations: young people are not only beneficiaries of peacebuilding efforts—they are active agents of change.

Across Liberia, adolescents engaged in these initiatives are contributing to stronger communities by promoting accountability, preventing violence, and fostering mutual respect.

Addressing the Realities Girls Face

While progress is underway, significant challenges persist. According to national data, 60% of women and girls have experienced physical violence, and only a fraction seek help. 

Barriers to education also remain. With only 57% of girls aged 15–19 enrolled in school, factors such as early pregnancy, poverty, and lack of basic facilities continue to affect retention. 

Fatumata is clear about what needs to change. She emphasizes the importance of sustained investment in girls’ education, including access to safe learning environments and essential services.

A Shared Commitment to Empowerment

The United Nations—through agencies such as UNICEF and in collaboration with national institutions—is working to ensure that adolescent girls can access the support and opportunities they need to thrive. These efforts align with Liberia’s broader development and peacebuilding priorities, reinforcing the One UN commitment to leaving no one behind.

For Fatumata, the vision is simple yet powerful:

“If I cannot get justice for myself, I can get justice for others.” 

Her hope is for a generation of girls who speak up—for themselves and for others—and who help build a more resilient and just Liberia.

“We all have rights… and we need to stand up for ourselves.” 

A Future Shaped by Young Leaders

As Liberia moves forward on its transitional justice journey, voices like Fatumata’s are helping to shape the national narrative—one rooted in accountability, inclusion, and hope.

With continued partnership between the Government, the United Nations, and communities, these young leaders are proving that meaningful change is not only possible—it is already underway.