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In a broadcast statement, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Isata Mahoi has called on Sierra Leoneans to unite in support of girls’ empowerment, as the country joins the world in celebrating the 2024 International Day of the Girl Child.
Under this year’s theme, “Girls’ Vision for the Future,” the Minister emphasized the critical role girls play in shaping a prosperous and equitable future for the nation.
The Minister traced the origins of this significant day to the 1995 World Conference on Women in Beijing and the United Nations’ 2011 decision to declare October 11th as a global day of recognition for girls’ rights.
Highlighting the ongoing challenges girls face—particularly in Sierra Leone, where issues like poverty and harmful practices persist—the Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding girls’ rights and ensuring they have access to education, safety, and leadership opportunities.
The Minister spotlighted recent legal advances, including the enactment of laws such as the Basic and Senior Secondary Education Act 2023, the Employment Act 2023, and the upcoming Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024. These laws aim to strengthen protections for girls and ensure their full participation in society.
