By: Mamajah Jalloh
The 50/50 Group of Sierra Leone has congratulated First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio on Sierra Leone’s role in the adoption of a historic United Nations resolution establishing November 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage.
In a statement issued on Thursday, September 10, 2026, the Group described the resolution as a significant milestone for Sierra Leone, Africa and the international community.
The Group commended Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for her leadership and advocacy in championing efforts to end child, early and forced marriage and for using her platform to draw global attention to the challenges facing girls and young women.
“It places the protection of girls from child, early and forced marriage firmly on the global agenda and sends a clear and powerful message that every girl has the right to live with dignity, free from harmful practices, violence and discrimination,” the Group stated.
According to the Group, child, early and forced marriage has serious consequences for girls’ education, health, economic opportunities and future prospects.
The 50/50 Group also said the development provides an opportunity to build on the First Lady’s advocacy for the girl child by increasing attention to other harmful practices, including Female Genital Cutting (FGC).
The Group noted that child; early and forced marriage does not occur in isolation but is linked to wider social, cultural and economic factors that affect girls’ rights and opportunities.
“We are therefore hopeful that the momentum created by this historic resolution, together with the First Lady’s continued leadership, will help strengthen national efforts to address FGC and other harmful practices and advance a more comprehensive approach to protecting the rights, dignity and well-being of girls,” the statement said.
The Group called for sustained collaboration among government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, women’s groups, youth organizations and international partners to ensure that the UN commitment translates into concrete action and measurable change for girls.
The 50/50 Group said continued collective efforts are essential to protecting girls from harmful practices and advancing their rights, dignity and well-being.