New York, Wednesday, 23 September 2026 – President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has praised First Lady Fatima Bio for her tireless efforts in combating child, early, and forced marriage. He announced three new national commitments aimed at strengthening Sierra Leone’s initiatives to protect girls and eradicate this practice.
Speaking at a notable event in New York during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, President Bio highlighted the recent unanimous adoption of a resolution to establish 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, led by Sierra Leone.
The gathering included notable figures such as Senegal’s President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and First Lady Marie Khone Faye, as well as various First Ladies and distinguished representatives from governments, the UN, and civil society.
Sierra Leone, as the main sponsor of the resolution alongside 84 co-sponsoring countries, marks a significant step in the global conversation on child marriage. The President described its adoption as a historic moment for girls worldwide and a testament to Sierra Leone’s leadership.
“At a time of global division, every Member State agreed that no girl should lose her childhood to marriage,” President Bio stated.
He lauded First Lady Fatima Bio for elevating the issue, recognising the contributions of Zambia and Canada in laying the groundwork for this initiative, and commended various individuals and organisations that have propelled the campaign forward.
President Bio outlined the establishment of the International Day as a vital way to maintain focus on the issue, noting that over 640 million women and girls were married in childhood, with many more facing similar fates yearly.
“Child marriage is a violation of rights with severe consequences for national development. A country that permits early marriages pays the price for generations,” he added.
He highlighted Sierra Leone’s legislative actions, particularly the Child Marriage Act of July 2024, which sets the minimum marriage age at 18 without exception.
However, he stressed legislation must be coupled with opportunities for girls to access education and healthcare. He pointed to initiatives such as the Free Quality School Education programme and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act 2022.
President Bio insisted that the voices of girls should guide future laws and policies. While acknowledging progress, he emphasised the need for improved enforcement and community engagement, particularly in less accessible areas.
He announced three commitments: creating a National Action Plan to eliminate child marriage, boosting enforcement of the existing law, and starting with the first International Day on 27 November 2026, Sierra Leone will report on progress made.
The President urged governments and development partners to ensure sustained funding for education and protection of girls.
“The success of this global initiative will be measured by tangible improvements in the lives of girls, not just ceremonies or statements,” he concluded.
The event ended with a vote of thanks from First Lady Fatima Bio, expressing gratitude towards attendees and advocates who support the global fight against child, early, and forced marriage. She highlighted the importance of translating this newly established International Day into concrete actions benefiting girls globally.
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