Our Time, Our Power: Samesther Hannah Kargbo and the Movement Redefining Girls’ Leadership in Sierra Leone

In October 2023, Ariana Diaries featured Samesther Hannah Kargbo as a passionate changemaker igniting the movement for girls’ leadership in Sierra Leone. Two years later, that spark has grown into a transformative flame. A structured, youth-driven movement reshaping how girls see themselves and how the world sees them.

From advocacy to implementation, from voice to impact, Samesther’s work through the Girls Advocacy Development Network (GADNet-SL) has evolved into a powerful ecosystem of leadership, mentorship, and solidarity. The 2025 National Girls’ Summit (NGS), themed “Our Time, Our Power: Building the Future We Deserve,” held in Makeni(October 2025), stands as a bold testament to that progress.

A New Era of Leadership: By and For Girls

The 2025 NGS, hosted at the Wesleyan Conference Centre, brought together over 500 participants from every district in Sierra Leone and neighbouring countries such as Liberia and The Gambia.

The summit’s objectives captured a clear vision: to elevate girls’ voices in national and regional policy, to strengthen confidence and leadership capacity, and to mobilise solidarity across Africa’s sisterhood of change.

Opening the summit, Samesther called on participants to see themselves as the “architects of the future” and reminded them that true transformation begins when young women “lead, not later, but now.”

The event’s multi-day format : residential, experiential, and highly participatory and was designed to immerse delegates in practical learning. Activities ranged from leadership training and SRHR education to climate-change awareness, entrepreneurship, and mentorship.

The innovative “House System” encouraged teamwork, responsibility, and a sense of belonging, as participants competed in creative, academic, and community-building tasks.

Moments that Shaped the Movement

The NGS was not merely an event it was a turning point. From the first day’s opening circle to the closing reflection, every activity reinforced the summit’s theme: empowerment through action.

Day 2: Leadership, Voice & Identity
Madam Manja Isatu Kargbo urged delegates to “dream big, reach high, and lead bravely,” redefining leadership as “the soil that allows growth.” Ariana Oluwole inspired participants with her masterclass “Moves That Matter,” reminding them that purpose must anchor every hustle: “My hustle has a purpose; my money has presence.” 

Day 3: My Body, My Rights
Plenary sessions explored SRHR, mental health, personal hygiene, and climate action, with engaging facilitators from PPASL, AHF, UNICEF, and Marie Stopes Sierra Leone. Sessions tackled taboo subjects like menstruation, consent, and HIV prevention, empowering girls to own their voices and choices.

Day 4: Partnerships & Call to Action
The day brought together leaders from UNFPA, UNICEF, UN Women, Action Aid, Marie Stopes, Amref Health Africa, and the British High Commission, underscoring a united commitment to girls’ empowerment. The Deputy

Minister of Youth, Patrick Michaelson Gibrilla, delivered a powerful keynote: “When you look in the mirror, see yourself as a leader : the future is yours to build.”

The summit concluded with a spirited “Mr & Mrs NGS” pageant, crowning youth ambassadors to continue the advocacy journey in their communities 

Impact in Numbers and Stories

The NGS’s impact was both measurable and emotional. According to the post-summit evaluation, 99% of participants reported that the program met or exceeded their expectations, while over 80% were first-time attendees, signalling a widening reach.

Survey data revealed high satisfaction levels with program content, mentorship opportunities, and inclusivity. Delegates emphasised improved understanding of leadership, SRHR, and community action. The report noted:

Success stories illustrate that greatness vividly. One participant, Emma Gassimu from Bonthe, shared how lessons from a previous summit led her to host community dialogues on FGM 

Another, Patteh Barrie from Koinadugu, who is visually impaired, now hosts a radio show promoting inclusion and equality.

These testimonies are evidence that the NGS is not just creating advocates ; it is shaping leaders.

Beyond the Summit: Building Sustainable Change

Samesther Kargbo’s leadership extends beyond events into community infrastructure. The Safe Haven Initiative, launched in Freetown, provides counselling, mentorship, and economic empowerment for survivors of GBV, teenage pregnancy, and harmful traditional practices. The initiative complements the summit by offering a permanent space for healing and growth.

The mentorship model has also expanded: eleven young mentors under 30; including facilitators like Sarah Williams, Sallay Sankoh, and Fatu Jusu . Now guide dozens of emerging girl leaders nationwide. Their work demonstrates GADNet’s philosophy that “young people are not the leaders of tomorrow, but of today.” 

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Like any grassroots movement, growth has come with learning curves. The event recorded challenges with time management and digital survey access, as well as infrastructure limitations at the venue.

“We know that there were challenges, but they have equipped us to create something more exquisite and insightful next year.” The Organising Team

This mindset : reflective, resilient, reform-minded is precisely what defines Samesther’s leadership style and the spirit of GADNet.

A Growing Global Sisterhood

From its modest beginnings to national prominence, the Girls Advocacy Development Network has evolved into a formidable and growing organisation . Partnerships with UN agencies, civil-society organisations, and international donors are helping scale its impact regionally.

Samesther Hannah Kargbo envisions the National Girls Summit evolving into an African Girls Summit, uniting voices from across the continent.

It is a vision that aligns with the global Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 5: Gender Equality.

“We believe the bond formed in this engagement will continue to grow as we break barriers and lead our society. Our time, our power: building the future we deserve.” National Girls Summit Organisers

Samesther Hannah Kargbo’s story is no longer just about one woman’s advocacy. It is about collective awakening, youth-led innovation, and a model for transformation that blends empathy, structure, and strategy.

In a nation rebuilding its identity, this movement is a powerful reminder that girls’ leadership is not charity ; it is an investment in humanity’s shared future.

The CHANGE has begun and it’s led by girls.