In Sierra Leone, many girls face significant challenges in accessing education, often dropping out or never attending school at all. Early marriage and pregnancy further complicate their futures. The Every Adolescent Girl Empowered and Resilient (EAGER) project, funded by the UK's FCDO, aims to support girls aged 13–17 who have dropped out of school or never enrolled. The project helps them develop life skills and transition into education, training, or employment.
A key part of the initiative is Wae Gyal Pikin Tinap (When the Girl Child Stands), a weekly radio programme produced by BBC Media Action. Broadcast across Sierra Leone in Krio since July 2020, the show challenges negative social norms that hinder girls' education and opportunities. It discusses real-life experiences and solutions while featuring guest speakers who share their perspectives. In addition, 18 local radio stations have been trained to create their own versions, encouraging local discussions.
Research conducted in late 2020 assessed the impact of the programme through interviews with girls and their families across rural and urban areas. The findings highlighted that listeners found the programme engaging and relatable. Many appreciated how it showcased young girls facing challenges and overcoming them. Parents noted that discussions about education and returning to school were particularly useful. The presence of female presenters inspired girls and provided relatable role models.
The programme has encouraged more family discussions, with some parents becoming more involved in their daughters' education. Many girls reported increased confidence and a willingness to express their ambitions. However, some sensitive topics, such as puberty and relationships, were seen as difficult to discuss within families.
Based on audience feedback, the programme aims to improve by including families who support their daughters, addressing sensitive topics in a culturally appropriate way, and involving boys to foster gender equality. As economic struggles persist due to COVID-19, initiatives like Wae Gyal Pikin Tinap remain vital in ensuring that girls in Sierra Leone have a chance at a brighter future.
Vocabulary:
• Resilient (adj): able to recover quickly
• Initiative (noun): new plan to achieve goal
• Broadcast (verb): transmit via radio or TV
• Norms (noun): accepted social standards
• Hinder (verb): slow down progress
• Perspectives (noun): ways of understanding something
• Assessed (verb): evaluated quality or value
• Findings (noun): discovered information
• Engaging (adj): interesting and attention-catching
• Relatable (adj): easy to identify with
• Showcased (verb): attractively presented
• Role models (noun): admired, imitable people
• Struggles (noun): difficult challenges or efforts
• Brighter future (noun): better times ahead
Source: BBC