Mariah James Advocacy Blog

Determined Girls Empowerment Network - DEGEN, we located, we train, and we empower!!! What a successful day it was. Well planned and facilitated perfectly. Thanks to everyone for the support.

Dear ,
Thanks for affording us the opportunity to serve, it’s our fervent hopes and prayers that we deliver, we are honored 🙏👏. Congratulations Riah✊👏

Meet our Acting CEO, Mariah James! ✊

Miss. James is an emerging social worker and a passionate social justice advocate. She is dedicated to making a difference for women and children.

Currently pursuing a degree in Social Work at the United Methodist University, with a minor in Management. Miss. James is also enrolled in a professional development program in Financial Management at Gonet Academy.

With a diverse educational background, including a High School Diploma from the Bishop Raymond P. Kofa Memorial Institute and a Nurse Assistant certification from the National Training Institute of Liberia, Mariah's academic journey aligns with her commitment to social change and community empowerment.

Her professional experience includes roles as an Account Assistant at Plan International Liberia, a Finance Intern at Plan International Liberia, a Youth Activist at Global Platform Liberia and ActionAid Liberia, and a former Advocacy Assistant at Compassion for Humanity. Mariah has a wealth of skills in marketing, project management, budget planning, and social media planning, along with a track record of leadership in various organizations and initiatives.

Recognized for her dedication to continuous learning and growth through certificates from training programs and participation in global events, Mariah's leadership roles include Coordinator of the Youth Humanitarian Movement (YHM), Coordinator of the Determined Girls Empowerment Network (DEGEN), Head of Finance for the Mano River Youth Network Liberia Chapter, and Co-Lead of the Girls Get Equal Campaign Liberia.

Mariah James is a dynamic and compassionate individual committed to uplifting others and creating a better world for women and children. With her extensive experience in social work, advocacy, and leadership, she is poised to make significant contributions to the field of social justice in Liberia and beyond, embodying the values of community, equity, and empowerment.

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟

I am thrilled to announce that I have been selected as a member of the newly re-established Civil Society Advisory Group (CSAG) by UN Women Liberia ! This significant induction took place on May 6, 2025, at the United Nations One House in Monrovia, in the presence of esteemed leaders including Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Honourable Gbeme Horace-Kollie, and UN Women Liberia Country Representative, Mdm. Comfort Lamptey.

The CSAG, consisting of 12 distinguished members with diverse backgrounds in women’s rights and gender empowerment, serves as a vital platform for dialogue between UN Women and civil society leaders. Our collective mission is to ensure that grassroots perspectives inform policies and advocacy efforts on gender equality in Liberia.

As we embark on this journey, I am inspired by the commitment to fostering inclusive decision-making and deepening partnerships between government and civil society. This renewed CSAG will play a strategic role in advising UN Women on thematic priorities and supporting coordinated advocacy efforts over the next two years.

I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to transformative change for women and girls in Liberia, and I look forward to collaborating with my fellow members and stakeholders to advance gender equality in our communities.

Together, we can make a difference! 💪💜

I am deeply saddened by the tragic news of Angel T. Weah’s death. This heartbreaking incident highlights the urgent need for systemic change in our justice system, particularly concerning the protection of women and girls from violence and exploitation.

The circumstances surrounding Angel’s death are a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young women, girls and children. We as advocates, activists, social movements, task force units, networks against SGBV must confront the discrepancies in our justice system that often fail to adequately address gender-based violence and the safety of our children. Too often, cases of violence against women and girls are met with indifference, lack of resources, and insufficient implementation of legal frameworks to hold perpetrators accountable.

This tragedy calls for a collective outcry to eliminate gender-based violence in all its forms. We must advocate for stronger justice systems, better enforcement, and comprehensive support systems for survivors. It is imperative that we create an environment where our girls can feel safe and protected, free from the fear of violence.

We must work together to advocate for a justice system that prioritizes the safety and rights of women and girls in Liberia. May her soul rest in peace, and may we find the strength to fight for a better future for all girls in our country. 🕊️✌️.
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These tragic incidents highlight the urgent need for a societal shift in how we view and respond to issues of consent and gender-based violence. The death of Princess and Abraham are not just personal tragedies; it reflects a broader problem where individuals feel entitled to control and harm others when their desires are not met.

We must stand together to condemn these act of violence and advocate for justice for all victims of such heinous acts. It is crucial to raise awareness about the importance of a person fundamental right to live and educate communities about the consequences of ignoring it. We need to push for stronger legal protections for individuals, and create an environments where they feel safe to express their choices without fear of retaliation.

Let us honor Princess and AB memory by demanding change and supporting initiatives that address the root causes of violence perpetrated against them. We cannot remain silent in the face of such brutality; we must be active defenders of human rights for all.

Thank you Global Platform Liberia and Actionaid Liberia for affording me the opportunity and support. The future is smiling 🙂 because young people are being empowered!

Briefing from the Young Humanitarian Handbook!

The Young Humanitarian Handbook has been designed for all young people who are currently, or may in the future, be engaged in humanitarian action. The handbook includes a step-by-step guide to answer four big questions that you may have as a young humanitarian. These questions are:

1. How can we deliver services to those most in need?
2. How can we get our voices heard when decisions are being made?
3. How (and where) can we as young people grow our skills and knowledge?
4. How do we access the resources needed?

The handbook also includes guidance on how to look after yourself and others, as well as lots of examples and stories from other young humanitarians around the world. Kindly see the link to the handbook below 👇.
Thank you AActionaid Liberia for your support to making my participation a reality. GratefulGlobal Platform Liberia and the for space.

https://actionaid.org/sites/default/files/publications/Final%20Young%20Humanitarians%20Handbook.pdf




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