MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor says poverty, early pregnancy, and harmful cultural practices are hindering the progress of young women in West Africa.

Madam Taylor, however, acknowledged some gains made, but said:” Young women will need to be inspired and help create change in their home communities.”

The former Vice President remarked recently at the opening of the West Africa Adolescent Girls Summit in Monrovia.

Also speaking, the Regional Co-Director for Africa at the Global Fund for Children, Madam Ame Atsu David, told the gathering that young people are usually excluded from decision-making processes because they are seen as inexperienced, apathetic, or incapable of contributing meaningfully to the discussion.

About two hundred adolescent girls and boys from across the region, as well as officials of Government, are attending the West Africa Adolescent Girls Summit.