About Girls Rise Up Conference
The Girls Rise Up Conference is an annual initiative by Girls Alliance Incorporation (GAI) held to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child. Organized across different districts in Sierra Leone, the conference empowers girls and young women through leadership, education, mentorship, and advocacy, inspiring them to overcome challenges and become confident leaders in their communities.
1st Edition Girls Rise Up Conference
The conference was successfully held on October 11, 2023, at Africell American Corner Hall, Freetown, bringing together 100 young women and men. It provided them with the tools and knowledge necessary to assume leadership roles in their communities and beyond.
The conference sought to build their self-esteem, confidence, and ability to overcome challenges. It also offered a platform for participants to gain valuable knowledge on various topics relevant to their lives, including education, career paths, health, and social issues.
The conference was attended by a keynote speaker (Chairperson, Human Rights Commission), four notable guest speakers, six workshop facilitators, and ten panelists from diverse sectors such as entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and education.
Key sponsors:
Self-funded
Key Outcomes and Achievements
The conference met its goals, yielding several key outcomes:
Members gained a deeper understanding of leadership, gender equity, and girls' education. They developed communication and leadership skills, established networks, received mentorship, and committed to identifying new opportunities for community change.
2nd Edition Girls Rise Up Conference
The Conference was successfully held on 11th October 2024 at Saphyre Court Hall, 5 off Kingharman Road, Freetown, bringing together 200 young women and girls from diverse backgrounds to engage in discussions, workshops, and activities aimed at promoting leadership, personal development, and empowerment. The conference, organized by Girls Alliance Incorporation, aimed to provide participants with the knowledge, resources, and inspiration to rise to leadership roles and pursue their aspirations confidently.
Key sponsors:
Plan International Sierra Leone
Leone Rock Metal Group
Key Outcomes and Achievements
The conference successfully achieved its objectives, resulting in several key outcomes:
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Participants gained a deeper understanding of leadership, gender equality, and the importance of education for girls.
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Through interactive workshops, participants developed skills in communication, critical thinking, and leadership, equipping them to take on leadership roles in their communities.
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Participants had the opportunity to build valuable networks and benefit from the mentorship provided by experienced professionals.
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Many participants expressed their commitment to pursuing new opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and leadership, setting personal goals to drive change in their communities.
3rd Edition Girls Rise Up Conference
The 3rd Edition of the Girls Rise Up (GRU) Conference was successfully held in Port Loko, Northern Sierra Leone. The two-day event, organized by Girls Alliance Incorporation (GAI), brought together young women, educators, community leaders, and partners from across the country under the theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future: Building a World Where Girls Thrive.”
The conference provided a valuable platform for girls and young women to learn, connect, and share their experiences while strengthening their leadership skills and confidence. Through interactive discussions and mentorship opportunities, participants explored key issues affecting girls and identified practical ways to contribute positively to their communities.
Key sponsors:
Plan International Sierra Leone
Youth Partnership for Peace and Development (YPPD-SL)
Creative Hub Africa
Women in Mining
Capitol Foods
ZALA Gas station
Key Outcomes and Achievements
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Built girls' confidence and leadership skills.
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Improved knowledge of gender equality, education, health, and personal development.
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Created a safe space for girls to share experiences and ideas.
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Connected participants with mentors, leaders, and peers.
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Empowered girls to speak up and influence change.
