By: Mohamed J. Bangura
Former United States Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Rodham Clinton has welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution establishing an International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, while commending Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, for championing the initiative.
Clinton described the resolution as an important step in the global campaign to protect girls from child marriage, noting that millions of girls are married before the age of 18 each year.
In a statement shared on Facebook, Clinton highlighted the lasting consequences of child marriage, particularly its impact on girls’ education, health, safety and future opportunities.
“Every instance of child marriage forecloses a world of possibilities for a young girl,” Clinton said.
She commended First Lady Fatima Maada Bio for her contribution to advancing the resolution, noting that Sierra Leone worked alongside Cape Verde, Costa Rica and Morocco to build international support for stronger action against child, early and forced marriage.
The development gives Sierra Leone greater visibility in global efforts to protect girls and promote their rights, while highlighting the First Lady’s advocacy on issues affecting women and children.
Fatima Bio has made the protection and empowerment of girls a key part of her public advocacy, including campaigns against child marriage and teenage pregnancy, as well as efforts to promote girls’ education and women’s rights.
Clinton’s commendation comes as international efforts intensify to eliminate child, early and forced marriage, a practice that can deprive girls of education, limit their economic opportunities and expose them to serious health and social risks.
The newly established International Day is expected to provide a dedicated platform for governments, civil society organizations and development partners to raise awareness, mobilize resources and strengthen measures aimed at preventing child marriage.
For Sierra Leone, the resolution represents an opportunity to further strengthen national and international partnerships focused on protecting girls and promoting their rights.
Clinton’s recognition has also drawn international attention to Sierra Leone’s role in advancing the initiative, underscoring the country’s contribution to the global campaign to end child, early and forced marriage.
The development reinforces calls for sustained action to ensure that girls remain in school, are protected from harmful practices and have the freedom and opportunity to shape their own futures.