GFC works with community-based groups throughout the Mano River area of West Africa (Liberia, Sierra Leone, Cote d’Ivoire, and Guinea) to create safe spaces for adolescent girls who experience gender-based and violence and discrimination, to connect, voice their concerns, enhance their knowledge on issues affecting them, build their leadership skills and collectively advocate for their rights. Throughout the six years of the initiative, GFC and its partners have seen the importance of involving boys and young men in conversations around gender equity. This initiative intentionally engages boys and young men as allies to challenge gender norms, deconstruct gender stereotypes, and explore healthy masculinities.
Before joining ADPF (GFC partner in Man, Cote d'Ivoire), I used to think that boys were superior to girls. I used to make sexist jokes and publish on social media inappropriate pictures of girls. But since I started participating in ADPF program I changed my mindset. I respect and support girls to achieve their dreams and I am a strong advocate for gender justice.
