By Fatima Kpaka
New York, September 6, 2026: Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, was hosted at a special reception at the United Nations Headquarters following the successful adoption of a resolution she championed, declaring 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.
Speaking at the event, Madam Bio expressed gratitude to UN Member States, fellow African First Ladies, partners, and advocates who supported Sierra Leone in advancing the resolution.
“As First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to carry the voices of our girls to the global stage. This is a victory for every girl whose childhood, education, dignity and future we are committed to protecting,” she said.
She emphasized that the resolution must now translate into concrete action: “Let Girls Grow. Let Girls Learn. Let Girls Choose.”
Background on the UN Resolution
The resolution was adopted on September 4, 2026, during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.
Sierra Leone led the initiative, joined by Cabo Verde, Morocco, Costa Rica, Namibia, India, Rwanda, Sudan, Afghanistan, and over 60 other co-sponsors.
The purpose is to establish an annual observance raising awareness of child, early, and forced marriage as a harmful practice that violates human rights, undermines education, health, and economic opportunities for girls.
The resolution builds on UN commitments under the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 5.3), which call for the elimination of child marriage worldwide. November 27 was chosen because it coincides with the day in 2024 when 250 million Indians pledged to end child marriage, marking the largest mobilization on the issue in history.
The resolution elevates child marriage to the top of the global agenda, ensuring sustained advocacy and accountability; and encourages governments to strengthen laws, institutions, and education systems to protect girls.
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, as President of OAFLAD, has positioned African First Ladies at the forefront of global advocacy for girls’ rights.