AYV News, August 30, 2024
Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio grants an executive interview to Nigeria Health Watch, a prominent health communication and advocacy Media organisation, to discuss the landmark passing of the Prohibition of Early Child Marriage Bill in Sierra Leone.
During the interview, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio shared insights into the challenges and triumphs of enacting this crucial legislation, which aims to protect young girls from the detrimental effects of child marriage. She emphasized the importance of strategic partnerships and persistent advocacy in overcoming significant obstacles.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio highlighted the collaborative efforts with international organizations, local NGOs, community leaders that were instrumental in the successful passage of the bill. She expressed her gratitude to His Excellency the President for giving her the leverage and free will to champion the course of women and girls.
The First Lady also reflected on the broader impact of the new law within the context of her ‘Hands Off Our Girls’ campaign, describing it as a significant milestone in the ongoing fight to protect and empower young girls in Sierra Leone.
Nigeria Health Watch, committed to promoting cross-learning among African countries, aims to amplify Sierra Leone’s success story to inspire similar efforts in Nigeria. By showcasing the strategies and partnerships that led to the enactment of the Prohibition of Early Child Marriage Bill, the organization hopes to encourage Nigerian stakeholders to adopt effective measures to combat child marriage and improve health outcomes for girls across the nation.
