Dr Ibrahim Bangura, leader of the DIB Movement and presumptive APC flagbearer, has called for heightened national efforts to uphold girls’ rights, enhance access to quality education, and eradicate harmful practices such as child marriage.
He made this plea on Friday, 30th October 2026, during his keynote address at the 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum, organised by the Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone at the Sierra Leone Parliament in Freetown.
This year’s forum focused on the theme: “Her Choice Is to Be in School, Not in the Matrimonial Home: Invest in Her and End FGM for a Better Future.” It highlighted the necessity of collective action to safeguard girls’ education, dignity, health, and future opportunities.
Dr Bangura stressed that empowering girls is crucial for national development. “Investing in girls is key to building Sierra Leone’s human capital, fostering social progress, and ensuring long-term prosperity,” he stated.
He also noted that education should extend beyond academic performance, equipping girls with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices, achieve economic independence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
“Every girl deserves the chance to finish her education and shape her future free from coercion and discrimination,” he added.
Dr Bangura warned that early marriage and other harmful practices disrupt girls’ education, adversely impacting their well-being and limiting their participation in economic and political spheres. He called for a united response from society, involving government, schools, parents, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and development partners, to eliminate barriers to education for girls.
He argued that girls’ empowerment should not be seen as charity but as a vital investment in the country’s future. “Girls must be seen not just as recipients of development aid, but as active participants in shaping our social, economic, and democratic landscape,” he said.
Moreover, he emphasised the importance of involving boys and men in efforts to challenge negative attitudes and create equal opportunities. “We need a community where every child is valued and protected, with the potential to thrive,” he continued.
Dr Bangura urged stakeholders to convert promises into tangible results by improving access to education, developing child-protection systems, expanding mentorship opportunities, and providing targeted support to vulnerable girls. These initiatives should aim for measurable improvements in girls’ safety, education, and empowerment.
He praised the Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone for their continued commitment to the forum and called for enhanced collaboration to ensure that advocacy leads to meaningful outcomes.
In closing, Dr Bangura asserted that protecting and empowering girls must remain a top priority in Sierra Leone’s developmental agenda. “Investing in our girls is investing in Sierra Leone’s future. By safeguarding their childhood, we secure our collective future,” he concluded.
