Yusuf Keketoma Sandi, AYV News, March 10, 2025
In an era where the pressing issue of gender inequality still casts long shadows over the paths we tread, Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada Bio emerges as a beacon of hope – a true embodiment of the ethos of HeForShe. He ascended the Presidency of Sierra Leone with a clear vision – a profound mission to forge a new path characterized by inclusivity and equality.
His leadership has been rooted in a sincere understanding of the challenges that women and girls face daily and an ardent commitment to dismantling the barriers that hinder their progress. In less than seven years, he has fostered an environment where women can flourish, where their voices are amplified and where their rights are recognized and safeguarded.
Under his leadership, the transformative Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act of 2022 has laid a solid foundation to address the gender imbalances in the political, social and economic spheres of our nation. As a direct result, we have achieved the minimum 30% representation for women in cabinet and elected ordinary members of Parliament. The groundbreaking legislation has also significantly advanced economic empowerment for women, enhancing their access to financial resources and services.
President Bio’s government has enacted comprehensive laws designed to protect women from violence and discrimination. Noteworthy among these are the Sexual Offences Amendment Act of 2019, which imposes severe penalties against offenders of gender-based violence; the Customary Land Rights Act of 2022, which explicitly prohibits discrimination against women regarding ownership, possession, use, transfer or inheritance of land; the Employment Act of 2023, which extends maternity leave to 14 weeks on full remuneration; and the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act of 2024, which prohibits child marriage and protects victims of child marriage.
Numerous policies and initiatives have further bolstered the protection of women and girls, creating safe spaces for them. Among these are the establishment of the sexual offences courts to expedite cases of sexual and gender-based violence, the toll-free helpline for survivors to report incidents and access support, and the one-stop centres offering free, comprehensive services to victims. The national policy on radical inclusion prohibits denying girls access to education as a result of pregnancy. These acts, policies and initiatives reflect President Bio’s deep understanding of the social injustices that have plagued women and girls for far too long.
Additionally, President Bio’s commitment to gender equality extends into the realm of health, ensuring that women health issues are prioritized. His administration has made significant strides in maternal health, achieving a remarkable 60% reduction in maternal mortality – one of the largest reductions recorded in Africa.
Under President Bio’s guidance, Sierra Leone has witnessed a transformative shift in mindset regarding the education of the girl child. Currently, there are more girls than boys enrolled at all levels of schooling in both private and public schools. Girls are achieving higher pass rates in critical examinations like the National Primary School Examination (NPSE), the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the West Africa Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Sierra Leone reported the highest completion rate for girls in primary education in West Africa, with 100% completing primary school in 2021.
At the higher education level, President Bio’s dedication to STEM education has resulted in a notable rise in female enrollment in these fields, including the provision of free tuition for women pursuing STEM studies. Between 2019 and 2022, the National Grant-in-Aid Scheme awarded 4,753 grants to STEM students, with 2,327 of those grants (49%) going to female students – underscoring President Bio’s commitment to gender inclusivity. For girls, education is no longer just about access; it is about preparing them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a world that increasingly relies on science, technology and innovation.
On the global stage, President Bio has utilized the power of his voice to champion rights of sexual violence survivors worldwide. In September 2021, he successfully moved a UN Resolution focused on access to justice for survivors of sexual violence, earning unanimous support from 193 Member States. This marked a historic moment, as it was the first time that the issue of sexual violence survivors reached the agenda of the United Nations General Assembly.
As he sojourns on this path in championing gender equality, President Bio has received steadfast support from his wife, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio. The Hands Off Our Girls Campaign, pioneered by the First Lady, has made significant contributions to reducing teenage pregnancy, enhancing the legal framework, training medical professionals and distributing free sanitary pads to girls nationwide. In November 2022, First Lady Fatima Maada Bio introduced a UN resolution to establish November 18 as the World Day for the Prevention of and Healing from Child Sexual Exploitation, Abuse and Violence. The resolution was adopted by the UN General Assembly.
As the world commemorates the 2025 International Women’s Day under the theme: “For All women and girls: Rights, Equality and Empowerment,” President Bio stands out as an undisputed HeForShe Champion not only for the tangible achievements but also for the hope he has instilled in the hearts of millions of women and girls. He has actively protected their rights, promoted equality and fostered empowerment of women and girls both in Sierra Leone and on the international stage at the United Nations.
Last month, it was no mere coincidence that the former President of Malawi, Dr. Joyce Banda, honored President Bio by presenting him with the African He4She Champion of the Year 2024 Award. This recognition celebrated his significant efforts in empowering women and girls in Sierra Leone.
On this International Women’s Day, President Bio serves as a reminder that the journey toward equality requires vision, courage, collaboration and a commitment to justice.
