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In a major step toward closing the gender gap in Sierra Leone, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio officially launched the “#WeAreEqual Campaign” and signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024 into law at the Freetown International Conference center . This initiative aims to address persistent cultural stereotypes that hinder women’s access to healthcare, education, and opportunities. The event saw the participation of first ladies, dignitaries, government ministers, public and private organizations, and development partners.
Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio expressed her joy and appreciation for the campaign’s launch, highlighting its mission to ensure equality and justice for all. She emphasized the importance of respect and dignity for women, urging society to treat women with the consideration they deserve. Noting that Sierra Leone has joined 16 other countries in this initiative, she proudly highlighted the success of the “Hands Off Our Girls Campaign,” which has significantly improved school retention rates for girls. The First Lady also mentioned the medical scholarships her office provides and the support for victims of sexual violence and rape.
In his keynote address, President Bio reflected on his 2018 campaign, during which he frequently moved with his baby daughter, signaling his commitment to the protection and empowerment of girls. He expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, particularly from his wife. He declared that the era when women were seen as mere accessories is over, praising the African First Ladies’ commitment to advancing gender equality and narrowing the gender gap.
“This Campaign, spearheaded by Your Excellencies, holds significant importance for us in Sierra Leone. I, therefore, congratulate you all, particularly my dear wife, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, who has chosen education and girls’ empowerment as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide,” he stated.
President Bio urged citizens to be vocal in ensuring the enforcement of laws prohibiting child marriage and stressed the importance of taking women’s issues seriously for national development. He highlighted Sierra Leone’s leadership in empowering girls through free quality education and scholarships for girls studying STEM courses, the declaration of a state of emergency on rape, the creation of a sexual offenses court, and the passing of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act.
In his closing remarks, President Bio officially launched the “WeAreEqual Campaign” and signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024 into law, marking a significant step toward gender equality and the protection of girls in Sierra Leone. This campaign aims to create a more inclusive society, ensuring that women and girls receive the respect, opportunities, and protection they rightfully deserve.
Goodwill messages were delivered by invited First Ladies and dignitaries . First Lady from the Republic of Cape Verde, the immediate past President of OAFLAD who is also the 3rd First Lady of Namibia , the Executive Secretary of OAFLAD, a representative of Liberia’s First Lady, and the Minister of Gender Affairs of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, who represented the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Credit:
Strategic Communication Divisions,
Office Of The First Lady,
Republic Of Sierra Leone.
