Paramount Young Women Initiative

10/05/2026

PAYOWI Condemns the Violence Against a Young Woman in Red Light and Demands Swift Justice

The Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI) strongly and unequivocally condemns the brutal assault, public humiliation, and inhuman abuse recently inflicted on a young woman by a group of men who violently attacked her in public over her alleged choice of clothing.

This act was cruel, criminal, and deeply degrading. It constitutes a violation of her fundamental rights and dignity as a woman.
No individual, under any circumstance deserves to be stripped, beaten, shamed, or publicly humiliated.
Violence against women can never be justified, excused, or normalized in the name of culture, morality, tradition, religion, or public opinion.

PAYOWI views this incident as a severe and flagrant act of gender-based violence (GBV) and a disturbing reflection of the increasing normalization of violence against women and girls in our society. We are profoundly alarmed by the growing culture of mob violence, public shaming, and victim-blaming that continues to endanger the lives, safety, freedom, and dignity of women across Liberia.

Let it be stated clearly that a woman’s clothing is never an invitation for violence. Responsibility for this horrific act lies solely and entirely with the perpetrators, and with all those who incited, encouraged, recorded, defended, or remained silent in the face of such abuse. Silence in the face of violence is complicity.

PAYOWI therefore calls on the Liberia National Police to continue to act promptly and decisively in conducting a thorough investigation into this incident and ensuring that every individual involved is identified, arrested, and prosecuted in full accordance with the laws of the Republic of Liberia.

Justice and accountability are essential, not only for the survivor, but to send a powerful message that violence against women will not be tolerated under any circumstance.

Furthermore, PAYOWI calls for sustained and increased investment in Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) at both school and community levels. Comprehensive, age-appropriate sexuality education is critical in equipping young people with knowledge about consent, respect, bodily autonomy, gender equality, and responsible behavior. It also plays a vital role in challenging the harmful social norms and attitudes that continue to fuel sexual and gender-based violence.

We urge community leaders, parents, traditional and religious institutions, youth groups, civil society organizations, and the media to stand united and speak with one voice against all forms of violence, harassment, intimidation, and discrimination against women and girls.

As a women’s rights organization, PAYOWI remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting the protection, empowerment, dignity, and human rights of women and girls throughout Liberia. We firmly believe that every woman and girl deserves to live freely, safely, and without fear of violence, shame, or humiliation.
We stand in unwavering solidarity with the young lady and with all survivors of gender-based violence.
Violence against women is not culture.
It is abuse.
And it must stop.

01/04/2026

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CcJNUQQ0tlSy2kxkS26UaZCsZiTKGyoO/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=111974964251668692985&rtpof=true&sd=true

28/03/2026

Paramount Young Women Initiative, in collaboration with The Educate Her Coalition, hosted a one-day engagement and lobbying meeting with UNFPA to strengthen collaboration in advancing girls’ education in Liberia.
The meeting focused on presenting key findings from the National Policy on Girls’ Education (NPGE) full report, reviewing progress and challenges in implementation, discussing the upcoming revision of the policy as it approaches its 2026 endline, and exploring collective actions and partnerships to promote quality education for girls across the country.
We remain committed to working with partners to ensure every girl in Liberia has access to a safe, and inclusive and education. Hope Liberia Educate HER Liberia

08/03/2026

Today, we joined the world to celebrate the strength, courage, and leadership of women and girls everywhere - “Give To Gain, support women for National Development “.

At Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI), we remain committed to mentoring, educating, and empowering women and girls to become confident leaders.

When women and girls are supported, they rise with purpose and power.

Happy International Women’s Day!

07/03/2026

We celebrate you our Facia Boyenoh Harris
Your relentless resilience and service from a place of nothingness is our motivation. Because You multiplied, We Are able to Multiply as well. Your commitment to grassroots movements buillding, the passion for grooming emerging young women leaders, and the knowledge you share daily, while non-linear, is inevitable the reality of our progress. Champion

Atty. Facia Boyenoh Harris is a leading Liberian human rights lawyer, women’s rights activist, gender-based violence (GBV) advocate, and champion of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
With decades of dedication, she defends the rights of women and girls, particularly survivors of sexual violence—making her an exemplary figure for International Women’s Day.As co-founder of the Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI), she combats assault against schoolgirls while promoting education and leadership. Harris has led anti-rape marches, supported women in politics, trained human rights activists, and hosted the radio program Girl Power on GBV issues.
In 2022, she became the first Liberian recipient of the U.S. Secretary of State’s International Women of Courage Award. Holding an MPA in Public Sector Management, a BA in Sociology, and legal training, she has worked with Liberia’s Independent Information Commission and international gender fellowships.

04/03/2026

We celebrate your voice and agency, Hawa C Wilson thanks for working tirelessly for equity and equality across diversity. 👍 🎉🎈🌹🌹

Hawa Casandria Wilson is a dedicated feminist, youth leader, and SRHR advocate who has significantly advanced the rights and well-being of girls and young women in Liberia.With over eight years of experience at the intersection of gender, social welfare, health, education, and environmental justice, she serves as Program Coordinator at Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI). In this role, she leads programs promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, and safe spaces for girls and young women.Her efforts emphasize comprehensive sexuality education, bodily autonomy, and protection of sexual and reproductive rights. Through mentorship, community engagement, and policy advocacy, she equips young women with essential knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills for informed decision-making about their bodies and futures.Ms. Wilson’s commitment to SRHR and gender justice makes her a vital contributor to Liberia’s inclusive development agenda, ensuring no girl or woman is left behind. Her leadership, resilience, and dedication amplify young women’s voices.

24/02/2026

Paramount Young Women Initiative (PAYOWI) is seeking a qualified and experienced Website Developer to design and develop a modern, responsive, and secure organizational website.

Use the link below to apply 👇👇👇

https://docs.google.com/document/d/15kM2pX8OpV-Bvip-CbSPtykrb0B5lQH6/edit?usp=drivesdk&ouid=111974964251668692985&rtpof=true&sd=true

15/02/2026

Conversations about love can enlighten individuals of all ages, guiding them to make the right choices and embrace the power of self-love.
PAYOWI hosted Valentine’s Sip and Paint event under the theme: “Love Beyond Romance.”

It was a beautiful and engaging experience with mentees from our Heart-To-Heart Mentoring Circle. The day was filled with exciting activities, including face painting, discussions about love beyond romance, a sip and paint session, musical performances, writing love letters to oneself, and much more.

We laughed, learned, shared experiences, and created a safe space to express our thoughts and feelings.

Remember, love is not just about others; it’s also about loving yourself. ❤

06/02/2026

PAYOWI joined the commemoration of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM), with Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection Development Partners, Women NGOs Secretariat of Liberia and other Civil Society organizations to observe World FGM Day.

The event was held under the Global theme “Invest in Girls’ Leadership and Collective Action to End Female Ge***al Mutilation” and the national theme “Investing in Liberian Girls and Communities to End Female Ge***al Mutilation.”
It's a call to continue more urgently,
to support the passage of the FGM Bill.
Lets move the commitments to action, to accelerate collective efforts toward ending FGM in Liberia.

06/02/2026

Valentine’s Day is an opportunity to express genuine love and engage in meaningful conversations about the true essence of the day.

As part of PAYOWI’s commitment to educating and empowering young women and girls, we are celebrating this year’s Valentine’s Day by helping our mentees gain a clearer understanding of the importance of “Love Beyond Romance.” We aim to create a safe and comfortable space for them to learn and unlearn. Deepen confidence around self-love, and appreciation of their unique potential.

Through music, games, storytelling, networking, and enjoyable activities, we❤❤❤❤ promote growth, connection, and positive learning experiences.

02/02/2026

This weekend, our Esteem Board came together with staff volunteers for an enriching and reflective start of year retreat focused on our 2026 growth agenda. ✨
The retreat grounded us in our mission and reminded us why our work matters. We reflected on our wins and challenges from 2025, strengthened our strategies for the year ahead, and re‑energized our commitment to collaboration and impact.
We’re stepping into 2026 with clarity, purpose, and a renewed drive to empower young women and girls. 💜 And our Community.
Let’s get to work!
#2026

"The question isn't who's going to let me (us); it's who's going to stop me, (us). ~ (Ayn Rand)
We ready ohhhhhh