President Julius Maada Bio Celebrates Milestone in the Fight Against Child Marriage in Sierra Leone

Freetown, Sierra Leone – In a significant step forward for the rights of girls and women in Sierra Leone, President Julius Maada Bio delivered a keynote address at a high-level dinner, marking the prohibition of child marriage in the country. The event, held on September 26, 2024, celebrated the strides made in ending the harmful practice, thanks in large part to the “Hands Off Our Girls” initiative led by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio.

The President highlighted the ongoing efforts to protect young girls, expressing deep gratitude to his wife for her instrumental role. “In Sierra Leone, girls have a champion in First Lady Fatima Maada Bio,” President Bio said in a statement shared on his official Twitter account. He praised the First Lady’s initiative, which has played a vital role in advocating for the rights and well-being of young girls, protecting them from child marriage, exploitation, and other abuses.

It was a profound honor to deliver the Keynote Address at the high-level dinner marking the prohibition of child marriage in Sierra Leone.

In Sierra Leone, girls have a champion in @FirstLadyBio whose “Hands Off Our Girls” initiative has immensely contributed to the protection… pic.twitter.com/fOiJKzajFA

— President Julius Maada Bio (@PresidentBio) September 27, 2024

First launched in 2018, the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign has focused on reducing early child marriage and teenage pregnancy, raising awareness about gender-based violence, and promoting the education of girls. President Bio noted the program’s immense contribution, stating, “The initiative has immensely contributed to the protection and wellbeing of young girls.”

The dinner also brought attention to the crucial work of the Organization of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), with President Bio acknowledging their leadership and dedication. “I extend my gratitude to the remarkable First Ladies of OAFLAD for their outstanding leadership and dedication in forging an important alliance for girls and women,” he remarked.

The event marks a critical moment in the ongoing campaign to safeguard the future of young girls in Sierra Leone, as the country works towards greater gender equality and the eradication of practices that harm its youth.

The push to end child marriage in Sierra Leone has been embraced by a broad coalition of leaders and organizations, both local and international, with continued efforts expected to strengthen the country’s commitment to ensuring a brighter future for its girls.

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