President Bio Backs Fatima Bio’s Campaign as UN Establishes Child Marriage Day
Osman Tolo Sesay President Julius Maada Bio has pledged continued support for First Lady Fatima Bio’s campaign against child, early and forced marriage after the United Nations adopted a resolution creating an international observance dedicated to ending the practice.
The U.N. General Assembly adopted the resolution without a vote on September 4, establishing November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. Sierra Leone led the initiative, and 65 member states co-sponsored it.
Speaking at an event following the adoption, Bio credited his wife’s advocacy and thanked the resolution’s co-sponsors, international partners and civil society organizations for supporting the initiative.
“Our work is far from over,” the President said, pledging continued support for the First Lady’s campaign. “We will stand with you, Fatima, as you promote advocacy for women and girls.”
The new observance is intended to provide an annual platform for governments and other stakeholders to renew political commitments, increase awareness and strengthen efforts to prevent and eliminate child, early and forced marriage. U.N. proceedings said the day would also promote investment in girls’ education, protection and empowerment while amplifying the voices of survivors.
Sierra Leone presented the resolution as part of its broader efforts to address child marriage. The country enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in 2024, which the government has described as a major step toward strengthening protections for children.
The Office of the First Lady identifies Fatima Bio’s “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign as a flagship initiative aimed at ending rape, early marriage and other forms of violence against women and girls.
The General Assembly’s adoption gives the campaign an international platform, while U.N. proceedings emphasized that establishing an international day alone will not end child marriage and called for stronger laws, institutions, education, economic opportunities and sustained political commitment.