At the Survivor Forum of the Child Marriage-Free World Campaign, held during the UN General Assembly in New York, Hon. Dr. Isata Mahoi, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs of Sierra Leone, delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant address. She reaffirmed Sierra Leone’s leadership in ending child marriage and advancing inclusive child protection.
Dr. Mahoi began her speech by thanking the organizers for creating a platform that centers the voices of survivors and fosters global solidarity. She paid special tribute to Her Excellency the First Lady of Sierra Leone, whose Hands Off Our Girls campaign galvanized national action and directly championed the enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill into law in 2024.
The Minister highlighted the role of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN) and the Kids Parliament, whose advocacy continues to shape policy and demand accountability. She shared updates on community engagement initiatives, emphasizing the critical role of traditional and religious leaders in transforming harmful societal norms and protecting children.
She also spoke about the strength of collaboration with stakeholders through a vibrant national consortium, which is working to harmonize efforts and scale the impact of their collective work.
Dr. Mahoi proudly referenced Sierra Leone’s Radical Inclusion Policy, which ensures that pregnant girls, children with disabilities, and other marginalized groups are not excluded from school but are supported to stay, learn, and thrive. She emphasized that school retention is key to breaking the cycle of child marriage and poverty and called for continued investment in inclusive education systems.
On the legislative front, she celebrated the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 and the forthcoming Child Rights Act 2025. She also urged Parliament to reconsider its stance on punitive measures for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). “We must ensure our laws reflect the full dignity and protection that every child deserves,” she affirmed.
Dr. Mahoi’s address provided a strategic blueprint for change, grounded in survivor testimony, national progress, and global solidarity.