By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a remarkable journey of advocacy and empowerment, Marian Pleasant Kargbo, a dynamic Sierra Leonean, has emerged as a prominent Barrister, Philanthropist, and Child Rights Activist, making waves in her relentless pursuit of justice and education for all, irrespective of gender or background.
Marian Pleasant Kargbo, currently the Chief Executive Officer of Pleasant Children’s Foundation and President of the Youth Action Movement, Sierra Leone, is leading the charge for youth empowerment, reproductive health and education, free from discrimination. The Youth Action Movement is affiliated with the Planned Parenthood Association of Sierra Leone (PPASL) and a member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF).
Education stands as a cornerstone of Kargbo’s advocacy, signifying the path to transformation. She holds four degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in History/Politics, LLB (Bachelor of Laws), BL (Barrister-at-Law), and LLM (Master of Laws), embodying her unyielding dedication to knowledge and personal growth.
Kargbo’s Pleasant Children’s Foundation is a beacon of hope, dedicated to providing education and support to vulnerable children, especially those who have suffered sexual abuse, forced early marriages, or rape. Despite encountering challenges, including financial constraints and threats, Kargbo is resolute in her mission to empower the youth, particularly girls, and break the cycle of adversity.
In addition to her educational endeavors, Kargbo has contributed immensely to her community during the Ebola outbreak by donating food, clothing, and toiletries worth millions of Leones.
Furthermore, Kargbo fights passionately for gender parity and against gender-based violence, challenging traditional gender norms in Sierra Leone. She advocates for equal opportunities, stating, “Give us the platform and see if we cannot serve well. We are passionate, we are strong, we know the issues affecting us, and so we want to deal with them for ourselves. If we are to see a better Africa, we need to set our priorities right and experience the change that we want to see.”
Kargbo’s remarkable work has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized with numerous national awards and accolades and was named one of the 50 most influential Sierra Leonean women in 2020.
In 2016, Kargbo led the “Girls Should Be Girls and Not Mothers” campaign in the Western Area Rural District and has represented Sierra Leone at various international conferences, including the Gender is My Agenda Summit in Niamey, Niger, the Family Planning Conference in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and the Youth and Climate Change Summit, also in Niamey.
In the face of adversity and threats, Marian Pleasant Kargbo stands unwavering in her commitment to creating a society where every child has access to quality education, justice, and equal opportunities, making her a shining example of positive change in Sierra Leone.
