The Story of Sisi Aminta

In Liberia, youth have transformed a passive pastime, listening to the radio, into an active and participatory forum for change, proving that the inclusion of just one youth voice can set the stage for many to follow in transforming the status quo.

The Sisi Aminta radio program aims to change views about sexuality, gender dynamics, health and early marriage. In places where beliefs about these topics are culturally ingrained, this process takes time. In one case, however, when a young girl went from passive listener to ac­tive participant on the show, she made an immediate difference.

In the small town of Gbarnga, one girl was being forced by her mother to sleep with men in order to support her family. The girl complied because she did not want to see her siblings go hungry, however, she knew that what she was doing was harmful on many levels. Given the opportunity to be a guest on the Sisi radio program, the girl read a letter from a listener in a similar situation. Once the program aired, she listened with her mother, who finally understood how her daughter was being harmed, and halted the arrangement. Because this girl, and others, participated in the program and shared their personal stories, they changed the course of dialogue. One girls’ story encouraged another to speak up, and her speaking up will undoubtedly encourage others to do the same.

When youth participate, whether by sharing their stories, representing their classmates, or working toward social change, they not only affect positive change, they themselves become agents of that change, invested in improvement and inspiring others to follow.

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