Pauline Faith Gartor, 30
Monrovia, Liberia
Pauline, hailing from Liberia, is a committed Global Champion of Children’s Rights, Youth Leadership, and Sexual and Reproductive Health & Rights. As the visionary founder of the Girls Health Alliance, she empowers young people, especially girls, to reclaim agency over their bodies, engage in decision-making, and advocate for their rights while combating Gender-Based Violence and harmful cultural norms. Driven by her unwavering passion for children's rights and youth leadership, Pauline's impact is felt across borders. As the Chairperson Emeritus of Liberia's National Children and Youth Advisory Board (2017-2020), she ensured the protection and participation of children in national issues, leaving a lasting legacy. Regionally, as Co-Chair of the Mano River Youth Network, she championed human rights and child protection in Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. On a global scale, she advances her mission through roles as a Women Deliver Young Leader and a UN Women Youth Activist, driving advocacy strategies.
Current Professional Engagement: Executive Director, Girls Health Alliance
What inspires your work on ending childhood sexual violence?
My first-hand experience inspires my work on ending childhood sexual violence and growing up in Liberia, where I saw children, boys, and girls ripped off of their innocence. I witnessed the horrors of rape, abuse, and exploitation on the streets, in homes, and schools. I saw girls as young as 12 forced into marriages and enduring unimaginable pain. These were not just stories; they were faces I knew, people I loved, children who were supposed to be safe. Liberia’s struggles with child sexual violence became my call to action. Every experience, every tear, fuels my determination to protect the next generation. This work is personal. It's not just advocacy. It's the fight for survival, for dignity, for the future of every child.
Share one highlight from your experience in the SPROUT fellowship
Among the many lessons I’ve gained from the SPROUT Fellowship, one that will always stay with me is the power of teamwork. From our incredible meetup in Kenya to working closely with learning partners and engaging in transformative sessions, I witnessed how collaboration fuels meaningful change. Ending child sexual violence isn’t a solo fight—it depends on the strength of our teams and the investment we make in each other. Whether as staff, founders, or executive directors, empowering our teams is key to driving impact. SPROUT not only focuses on our work as advocates but also nurtures our well-being and leadership growth. I’m truly grateful for this journey and wish the next fellows all the best!
