First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatimatu Maada Bio, has celebrated the adoption of a landmark United Nations resolution establishing 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.
The milestone was marked with a special reception at the United Nations Headquarters in New York, held in her honour following the successful introduction and adoption of the resolution.
The First Lady expressed her profound appreciation to UN Member States, fellow African First Ladies, development partners, advocates and other stakeholders whose support contributed to the historic achievement.
As President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Mrs. Bio has consistently advocated for stronger action to protect girls from harmful practices that threaten their education, health, dignity and future.
She described the UN resolution as a victory for every girl whose childhood and opportunities must be protected, while stressing that the adoption of the resolution should mark the beginning of intensified action rather than the end of the campaign.
“The work continues. Let us turn this historic resolution into meaningful action.”
The First Lady called on governments, communities, civil society organisations and partners to translate the global commitment into concrete measures that will protect girls and give them greater control over decisions affecting their lives.
Her message was clear and compelling:
Let Girls Grow.
Let Girls Learn.
Let Girls Choose.
The establishment of the international day provides an important platform for the world to renew its commitment to ending child, early and forced marriage and ensuring that every girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential.
