NatCA Congratulates First Lady Fatima Bio
The National Communications Authority (NatCA) warmly congratulates Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, on her pioneering advocacy and remarkable contribution to the adoption of a historic United Nations resolution designating 27th November as the International Day for the Elimination of Early Child, and Forced Marriage.
This landmark achievement represents a significant milestone in the global campaign to end child, early and forced marriage and stands as a powerful recognition of the urgent need for sustained international action to protect children from practices that undermine their rights, dignity, education, health, safety and future prospects.
NatCA commends Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio for demonstrating exceptional leadership in taking the Hands Off Our Girls advocacy beyond Sierra Leone’s borders and placing the protection and empowerment of the girl child firmly on the global agenda. Through her sustained advocacy, she has amplified the voices of vulnerable girls and drawn international attention to the need for stronger policies, collective action and lasting solutions to harmful practices that continue to affect children in communities around the world.
The adoption of this resolution is not only a historic diplomatic achievement for Sierra Leone, but also an important call to action for governments, families, communities, civil society organisations, institutions and individuals. It reminds the world that every child deserves the opportunity to grow up in an environment where their rights are respected, their voices are heard and their dreams are protected.
For NatCA, the achievement further reinforces the importance of creating an inclusive and empowered society where every girl has equal opportunities to access education, information, technology and other platforms that can contribute to her development and full participation in society. As Sierra Leone continues to advance its digital transformation agenda, ensuring that girls and young women are protected, connected and empowered remains an essential part of building an inclusive and sustainable future.
The First Lady’s advocacy has demonstrated that meaningful change begins when courageous voices are amplified and sustained beyond national boundaries. Her commitment to the Hands Off Our Girls campaign has helped transform a national call for action into a global movement, inspiring conversations and commitments aimed at ensuring that girls are not deprived of their childhood, education and aspirations because of early child, and forced marriage.
NatCA therefore joins the Government and people of Sierra Leone, alongside partners and advocates around the world, in celebrating this historic accomplishment. We recognise Her Excellency’s determination, courage and unwavering commitment to the protection, dignity and empowerment of the girl child.
As Sierra Leone celebrates this remarkable feat, NatCA believes that the designation of 27th November should serve not merely as a day of commemoration, but as an annual reminder of the responsibility shared by all of us to protect children, challenge harmful practices and create opportunities that allow every girl to learn, grow, thrive and fulfill her full potential.
Her Excellency’s achievement has once again placed Sierra Leone at the forefront of an important global conversation and demonstrated the country’s capacity to champion causes that transcend borders and speak to the shared aspirations of humanity.
Congratulations, Your Excellency, on this historic achievement and your invaluable contribution to the global movement for the protection, empowerment and advancement of the girl child.
It stands with the Hands Off Our Girls movement and with every girl whose future deserves to be protected.
