By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, has led an international conversation on ending child marriage during a high level event held at the Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs in New York.
The event, titled “Accelerating Efforts to End Child Marriage,” was organized by the Institute of Global Politics Women’s Initiative and brought together prominent global leaders, advocates and policymakers to discuss strategies for protecting girls and advancing gender equality across the world.
Dr Bio, who also serves as President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development, used the platform to highlight the urgent need for coordinated global action to eliminate child marriage and strengthen the protection of girls through education and policy reforms.
During the event, the Sierra Leonean First Lady shared the stage with several internationally respected advocates, including former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The discussion also featured prominent global figures such as Sheryl Sandberg, Mabel van Oranje and Catherine Russell.
Speaking after the event, Dr Bio described the opportunity to share the platform with such influential global advocates as an honour and an important moment for advancing the global movement to protect girls from early marriage.
She emphasized that child marriage continues to threaten the health, education and future of millions of girls around the world, particularly in developing countries. According to her, sustained collaboration among governments, international organizations and civil society groups is essential in addressing the root causes of the practice.
Dr Bio further noted that stronger national policies and global commitments are necessary to ensure that girls are protected and empowered through education and social support systems. She stressed that when girls are given the opportunity to remain in school and pursue their ambitions, societies benefit from stronger development and economic growth.
The discussion also highlighted the importance of investing in programs that support girls’ education, health and social protection, while encouraging governments to strengthen laws that prevent child marriage.
Participants at the event agreed that ending child marriage requires continued advocacy, strategic partnerships and long term investment in initiatives that promote gender equality and protect the rights of girls worldwide.
Dr Bio reaffirmed her commitment to working with international partners and fellow leaders to accelerate efforts aimed at eliminating child marriage across Africa and beyond.
The event formed part of broader global conversations focused on advancing women’s rights and ensuring a safer and more equitable future for girls everywhere.
