By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Sierra Leone, Mr Zhang Dianbin has attended the 7th Anniversary Banquet of the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign hosted by President Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio at the State Lodge.
The high level event brought together First Ladies from several African countries alongside government officials development partners civil society representatives and stakeholders from various sectors of Sierra Leone. The banquet marked seven years of sustained advocacy and action aimed at protecting the rights of girls and promoting the empowerment of women across the country.
In their respective remarks President Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio reflected on the progress Sierra Leone has made in advancing the rights and welfare of women and children. They highlighted key policy reforms legal frameworks and social interventions introduced to address sexual and gender based violence child marriage and discrimination against girls.
Both leaders expressed deep appreciation to international partners diplomatic missions and friends of Sierra Leone for their continued support of the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign. They reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening protection mechanisms and ensuring that girls are safe educated and empowered to contribute meaningfully to national development.
President Bio assured guests that his administration remains resolute in promoting gender equality and safeguarding the dignity of women and children. First Lady Fatima Bio described the campaign as a national movement that has helped shift attitudes raise awareness and mobilise communities to stand against abuse and injustice affecting girls.
During the ceremony President Bio presented Mr Zhang Dianbin with a certificate of appreciation in recognition of China’s support and solidarity with Sierra Leone’s efforts to protect girls and empower women.
In his response Mr Zhang Dianbin noted that the year marks the 30th anniversary of the Fourth World Conference on Women which was held in Beijing. He said China recently hosted a Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing aimed at advancing gender equality and promoting the comprehensive development of women worldwide.
Mr Zhang emphasised that the protection of girls and the empowerment of women remain global priorities that require collective action and partnership. He described China and Sierra Leone as good friends with a shared commitment to social progress and human development.
He assured the gathering that China will continue to provide support and assistance to Sierra Leone to the best of its ability particularly in initiatives that seek to protect girls enhance education and promote inclusive development.
The event concluded with renewed calls for sustained collaboration among government’s development partners and communities to ensure that the gains made by the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign are consolidated and expanded for the benefit of present and future generations.
