Plan International Sierra Leone Marks International Day of the Girl Child with Symbolic Office Takeover

As part of activities commemorating the International Day of the Girl Child, Plan International Sierra Leone on Friday, October 10, 2025, held its annual “Girls Takeover” event, during which young girls symbolically assumed leadership roles in prominent national offices.

This year’s takeover featured young girls stepping into the roles of the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, and the Gender Advisor to the President, in a move that Plan International says deepens its advocacy and policy work in promoting women’s and children’s rights across the country.

Speaking while acting as Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Marian Alpha described the Child Marriage Act 2024 as a landmark achievement for Sierra Leone. She noted that the law represents a decisive stance by the nation to protect children from practices that rob them of their childhood, education, and fundamental human rights.

“The Act makes it unlawful for any person to contract marriage with a child, defined as anyone under the age of 18,” she said. “Those who engage in child marriage face penalties, including imprisonment or a fine. Beyond punishment, the law aims to educate and empower girls, ensuring their full protection and development.”

Alpha added that the legislation not only safeguards girls from early marriage but also from early pregnancy, which poses serious health risks for both the mother and child. She expressed hope that the law would move beyond words on paper to tangible action that transforms lives.

In his remarks, Solicitor General Robert Kowa commended Plan International and its partners for their continued advocacy. He referenced “Alimila,” a dramatized skit about early marriage, saying he was optimistic that such harmful practices would soon be eradicated with the enforcement of the new law.

“We must popularize this law, especially in rural areas,” Kowa urged. “The trauma and lifelong impact of child marriage on victims are well-known, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that such practices are discouraged through consistent public education and legal enforcement.”

Director of Public Prosecutions, Osman Kanu, also welcomed the initiative, noting that the Child Marriage Act 2024 came at a critical time when Sierra Leone was facing legal scrutiny at the ECOWAS Court of Justice over the issue of child marriage in the case involving the so-called “Mother of Adama.”

“This new law demonstrates Sierra Leone’s commitment to ending child marriage once and for all,” Kanu said. “It clarifies the government’s position and reinforces the Attorney General’s Office’s commitment to ensuring that the practice is discouraged across society.”

Meanwhile, at the Office of the Gender Advisor to the President, Fatmata Ibrahim Kargbo, who acted in the role, reaffirmed the importance of women’s representation in decision-making spaces.

Kargbo expressed excitement about the opportunity to contribute to policy development that supports girls and young women nationwide.

“I am deeply passionate about advocacy and the advancement of girls and young women in Sierra Leone,” she said. “The Child Marriage Act 2024 is a vital piece of legislation that protects and empowers girls, but continuous review and engagement are necessary to ensure its effectiveness.”

In closing, a representative from the Attorney General’s Office reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to implementing measures that mitigate risks affecting young girls, emphasizing the need for ongoing collaboration between government, civil society, and development partners.

The Girls Takeover Initiative remains one of Plan International’s flagship activities for empowering girls to envision themselves as leaders, policymakers, and changemakers in building a more inclusive and equitable Sierra Leone.