By Forum Staff Writer
President Julius Maada Bio has praised First Lady Fatima Maada Bio for her advocacy and leadership in the global campaign to end child, early and forced marriage.
President Bio made the remarks following the adoption by the United Nations General Assembly of a resolution establishing November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.
The resolution, adopted on September 4, 2026, without a vote, followed an initiative led by Sierra Leone and supported by more than 60 co sponsoring countries.
The new international day is expected to provide an annual platform for raising awareness, strengthening advocacy and encouraging governments and other stakeholders to take action against child marriage. The United Nations said the initiative will also promote greater investment in girls’ education, protection and empowerment.
In a message following the adoption, President Bio expressed appreciation to the countries, development partners and civil society organisations that supported the resolution.
He also commended the First Lady for her continued work on issues affecting women and girls, while pledging his support for her advocacy.
“Our work is far from over,” President Bio stated, stressing the need for continued efforts to protect girls and promote their rights.
The Office of the First Lady identifies the protection of women and girls as one of its key areas of advocacy. Her flagship Hands Off Our Girls campaign focuses on ending rape, early marriage and other forms of violence against women and girls.
The United Nations resolution makes November 27 an international day dedicated specifically to the elimination of child, early and forced marriage. The UN says the observance will help renew political commitment, strengthen advocacy, promote accountability and encourage stronger action to protect children.
Sierra Leone’s role in the initiative has placed the country at the centre of renewed international attention on efforts to end child marriage.
The country’s advocacy also comes against the backdrop of national measures aimed at protecting children. In 2024, Sierra Leone enacted legislation prohibiting marriage and unions involving people under the age of 18.
The establishment of the international day is expected to give governments, civil society organisations and development partners an opportunity each year to assess progress, raise public awareness and strengthen efforts to prevent child, early and forced marriage.
For Sierra Leone, the development represents another international platform through which the country’s campaign against child marriage and the protection of girls can receive greater attention.
President Bio said the government would continue supporting efforts aimed at advancing the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.
