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Former U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton has praised Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Bio, for her leadership and advocacy in championing a newly adopted United Nations resolution establishing an International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.
In a statement, Clinton highlighted the devastating impact of child marriage on girls worldwide, noting that millions continue to be denied opportunities to pursue education, grow up in safe and healthy environments, and reach their full potential.
“Every instance of child marriage forecloses a world of possibilities for a young girl and every year, 12 million girls are married before their 18th birthdays,” Clinton said.
“These girls are robbed of the opportunity to grow up safe and healthy and to pursue an education. In turn, the world loses their participation, their talents, and their ideas,” she added.
Clinton specifically commended First Lady Fatima Bio for her advocacy and leadership in advancing the resolution, alongside Cape Verde, Costa Rica and Morocco.
She expressed appreciation for Bio’s efforts to keep the elimination of child, early and forced marriage on the international agenda, describing the adoption of the resolution as a significant milestone in the global campaign to protect girls.
Clinton also called for greater financial resources and stronger political commitment to accelerate efforts to end child marriage, urging individuals and governments around the world to play their part.
“Everyone who sees this message can become a part of ending child marriage,” she said.
As part of her call to action, Clinton encouraged people to read the Columbia Institute of Global Politics’ report, “Accelerating Efforts to End Child Marriage,” which she said she was proud to have collaborated on with First Lady Fatima Bio and Sheryl Sandberg earlier this year.
The newly adopted U.N. resolution is expected to further strengthen international advocacy and cooperation aimed at eliminating child, early and forced marriage and protecting the rights and futures of girls worldwide.
