In traditional cultures the path to manhood is marked with ceremonial rites of passage. But in societies moving away from strict gender roles, boys have to find their own ways to become men.

In some ways it’s easier to be an American girl these days. Although beauty still rules, people are more accepting of differences. In another way it’s worse: Everything plays out on social media.

In Sierra Leone, wracked by civil war and Ebola, nearly half of girls marry before 18, and marry become mothers by 19. Yet even in this troubled land some girls find a way to rise.