A Proud Moment for Sierra Leone. A Powerful Moment for Every Girl.

Today, we celebrate a significant moment as Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, takes the fight against child marriage to the global stage at the United Nations.

Her voice carries an important message: childhood is not a waiting room for marriage. Every girl deserves the right to grow, learn, dream and decide her own future.

The United Nations’ recognition of a dedicated International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage is particularly significant for Sierra Leone. It means that our country is not only participating in a global conversation—we are helping to lead it.

But what does this mean for Sierra Leonean girls?

It means that:

• A girl’s education must never be sacrificed for marriage.
• Poverty must never be used as a reason to give a child away.
• Culture and tradition must never be used to deny a girl her childhood and her future.
• Laws protecting girls must be implemented and enforced.
• Communities, parents, religious and traditional leaders must all become part of the solution.

Most importantly, it means that the world is watching, and Sierra Leone now has an even greater responsibility to ensure that the promises we make internationally are reflected in the lives of girls in our villages, communities and cities.

For Every Woman Sierra Leone, this moment is both a celebration and a call to action.

We celebrate the global leadership of Sierra Leone and the courage to speak against child marriage. But we also remind ourselves that a speech at the United Nations must be followed by action in our homes, schools, communities and institutions.

No girl should lose her childhood to marriage.

No girl should have her future decided for her before she is old enough to decide for herself.

The fight against child marriage is ultimately a fight for education, equality, dignity, safety and opportunity.

Sierra Leone has spoken to the world. Now let us ensure that every Sierra Leonean girl feels the impact at home.

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