In commemoration of International Day of the Girl Child 2025, Jennifer Lahai Thompson, CEO and President of The Jennifer Thompson Organization and spearhead of the No Child Left Behind Initiative, delivered a powerful message under this year’s theme: “The Girl I Am, The Change That I Lead: Girl on the Frontline of Crises.”
Speaking to this medium, Jennifer Lahai Thompson celebrated the resilience and leadership of girls facing crises from conflict and climate shocks to poverty and displacement.
“Today, we honour the incredible strength and courage of girls around the world, especially those who stand fearless on the frontline of crises,” she said. “Whether facing conflict, climate change, poverty or other hardships, girls are not just survivors; they are leaders, change-makers, and girls of hope.”
Jennifer Thompson urged every girl to embrace her inner power. “The girl you are today holds the power to lead change tomorrow,” she declared, highlighting how resilience, voice and courage amid adversity make girls “unstoppable.” She emphasized that girls should not be defined by the crises they face, but by their choice to lead change.
In Sierra Leone, Jennifer Thompson has long been recognized for her advocacy and developmental work, particularly through her No Child Left Behind Initiative, which focuses on uplifting vulnerable children and promoting education and empowerment in underserved communities.
Her remarks came as part of a wider national conversation on gender equality, leadership and digital inclusion, especially for girls in rural and marginalized areas. She closed with a rallying call:
“On this International Day of the Girl Child, embrace who you are and the powerful change you lead. Your journey is a beacon of hope for millions. Keep reaching, keep believing and keep shining because the world is watching and the world is ready for you.”
Jennifer Thompson’s message reinforces a growing recognition that girls must be empowered not just as beneficiaries of development but as active agents of change capable of leading, protecting and transforming their societies.
