When we created the Girl Declaration, more than 500 adolescent girls were consulted across 14 countries. Joanna’s story reflects the challenges faced by many of the girls we spoke to...

Economic Security

Joanna’s story is an example of why goal 4 of the Girl Declaration - economic security - is so important.

As a young girl she was sold by her family because they needed extra money. They saw her as a burden on their finances.

But when Joanna ran away from the people who bought her, and when she was given the chance to learn new skills that would enable her to look after herself - such as growing food that she can sell - she prospered and became a self-sufficient young woman who will be able to contribute to the growth of her community's economy in years to come.

"It's important for women in Liberia to have their own business," she says. "Because when you have your own business, nobody can give you a hard time."