First Lady Fatima Bio Hosts Celebration Following Proclamation of World Day to End Child Marriage
Sia Lucy Kannah The Office of the First Lady of Sierra Leone, led by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, has hosted a special celebration following the official proclamation of November 27 as the World Day for Ending Early, Child and Forced Marriage.
The event brought together Presidents, First Ladies, government ministers, development partners, United Nations ambassadors and child rights advocates from Sierra Leone and abroad.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to protecting girls and supporting efforts to end early, child and forced marriage.
Addressing the gathering, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio expressed appreciation to international partners and other stakeholders who supported efforts leading to the recognition of November 27.
She called on governments, institutions and leaders to translate the proclamation into concrete measures aimed at protecting girls and preventing child, early and forced marriage.
“This achievement is not the end of the journey; it is a renewed beginning,” First Lady Fatima Maada Bio said. “Every girl deserves the freedom to grow, learn, dream, and determine her own future without being forced into marriage before she is ready.”
The First Lady also acknowledged the role of President Julius Maada Bio, whom she said has continued to support efforts to protect the rights of girls in Sierra Leone and beyond.
She further expressed appreciation to telecommunications company Africell Sierra Leone for its support to advocacy initiatives focused on girls’ rights and youth development.
The proclamation of November 27 as the World Day for Ending Early, Child and Forced Marriage places renewed international attention on efforts to prevent child marriage and strengthen the protection of girls.