AYV News, March 6, 2026
Sierra Leone’s First Lady and President of the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), Fatima Maada Bio, has taken the global stage in the campaign against child marriage, leading a high-level discussion at Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in the New York City, United States.
The event, titled “Accelerating Efforts to End Child Marriage,” was organised by the Institute of Global Politics Women’s Initiative and brought together global advocates, policymakers, and development leaders committed to protecting girls and promoting their rights.
Speaking at the forum held on 4th March 2026, Dr. Bio said she was honoured to lead the conversation on ending child marriage, highlighting the urgent need for stronger global collaboration to address the issue.
During the event, the Sierra Leonean First Lady shared the stage with several prominent international figures, including former United States Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, technology executive and philanthropist Sheryl Sandberg, global advocate Mabel van Oranje, and child rights campaigner Catherine Russell.
The discussions focused on accelerating global efforts to end child marriage through stronger policies, improved protection mechanisms, and sustained investments in girls’ education.
Dr. Bio emphasised that the fight against child marriage requires a coordinated global approach involving governments, civil society organisations, and international partners. She noted that ensuring girls have access to education and protection from harmful practices remains central to securing their future.
“The discussion reinforced the urgent need for global collaboration, stronger policies, and sustained investment in girls’ education and protection,” she stated.
Participants at the event reaffirmed their collective commitment to advancing initiatives that protect girls’ rights and expand opportunities for young women around the world.
As President of OAFLAD, Dr. Bio has been actively involved in championing initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of women and children across Africa. Her participation in the international forum further underscores Sierra Leone’s role in global advocacy efforts to end child marriage and promote the rights of girls.
Organisers of the event described the dialogue as an important platform for mobilising international action and strengthening partnerships in the global movement to eliminate child marriage.
