Teenager commits to advocate for a better Liberia

Liberia like several other African countries has a youthful population. Over 65% of Liberians falls within the youthful category and this places the greatest responsibility for the development and peace of the country on their shoulders. The role of the youth in the sustenance of the environment cannot be overemphasized.

Under our new Swedish funded programme ’Our Land’ which run from 2022–2025 ForumCiv uses innovation to promote inclusive governance, sustainable management of natural resources, and to harness the participation of young Liberians in the development drive of the country.

One of such innovation in 2022 involved our support for the Miss Eco Environment Bong 2022. The event was organized by the Student Unification Movement (SUM) and it emcompassed paegentry, cultural performances, debates, and awareness raising on the 2018 Local Government and Land Rights Acts, as well as measures to reduce and mitigate the impact of climate change.

Seven young ladies from Bong County participated in the event, but only three contestants made it to the grand finale which was held on Sunday 4th December 2022 in Gbarnga, Bong County. Miss Mayamu Kamara of the St. Martin's Catholic High School emerged as the winner, while Miss Blessing Dongbo and Cecelia Wesseh took the first and the second runners-up spot respectively.

The awareness reached over 700 residents of Bong County and it was  jointly implemented by the contestants and other members of SUM. They also document stories of over 15 rural women who are been denied their rights to land by families and relatives of their spouses. These cases are been referred to the relevant actors.

Mayamu and runners-up Blessing and Cecelia will be supported under our innovative platform as 'Ambassadors of Good Governance and Environmental sustainability'.

As the crowned queen of the Miss Eco Environment Bong 2022,  I promise that I will not sit with the crown but instead I will use this platform to promote the interest of women, girls, and the environment. (Miss Mayamu Kamara)