By Bampia James Bundu
New York, September 7, 2026: – Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, has delivered a stirring appeal at the United Nations General Assembly, urging world leaders to confront the scourge of child, early and forced marriage and protect the rights of girls worldwide.
“Marriage should be a choice, not a sentence,” Dr. Bio declared, capturing the essence of her advocacy in a phrase that resonated across the chamber.
She reminded delegates that behind every statistic lies a child with a name, a dream and a future — a girl who deserves the freedom to decide when and whom she will marry.
Linking Rights to Development
Dr. Bio stressed that eliminating child marriage is not only a human rights imperative but also an investment in education, economic empowerment and sustainable national development. Girls who remain in school, she noted, are better positioned to achieve independence and contribute meaningfully to their communities and countries.
Sierra Leone’s Leadership
Her message carried added weight as Sierra Leone, under President Julius Maada Bio, enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, a landmark law strengthening child protection. Yet, the First Lady emphasized that legislation alone is insufficient without enforcement, education, community engagement and political will.
Global Platform
Through Sierra Leone’s initiative at the UN to establish an International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, Dr. Bio has elevated the issue from national advocacy to sustained global attention. The proposed observance would provide an annual platform to renew commitments, raise awareness and accelerate efforts to protect girls.
A Message of Hope
Her call extended beyond governments to parents, communities, traditional and religious leaders, civil society and the international community. Most importantly, it was a message of hope to girls everywhere:
A girl should be allowed to dream before she is expected to marry.