By Sallieu S. Kanu
In a major step toward closing the gender gap in Sierra Leone, President Dr. Julius Maada Bio on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, officially launched the “#WeAreEqual Campaign” at the Freetown International Conference center.
This initiative aims to address persistent cultural stereotypes that hinder womenโs access to healthcare, education, and opportunities. The event saw the participation of first ladies, dignitaries, government ministers, public and private organizations, and development partners.
President Bio expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support, particularly from his wife. He declared that the era when women were seen as mere accessories is over, praising the African First Ladies’ commitment to advancing gender equality and narrowing the gender gap.
“This Campaign, spearheaded by Your Excellencies, holds significant importance for us in Sierra Leone. I, therefore, congratulate you all, particularly my dear wife, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, who has chosen education and girls’ empowerment as a primary tool to champion this campaign nationwide,โ President Bio said.
He urged citizens to be vocal in ensuring the enforcement of laws prohibiting child marriage and stressed the importance of taking women’s issues seriously for national development. He highlighted Sierra Leoneโs leadership in empowering girls through free quality education and scholarships for girls studying Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) courses, the declaration of a state of emergency on rape, the creation of a sexual offenses court, and the passing of the Gender Equality and Womenโs Empowerment (GEWE) Act.
The “WeAreEqual Campaign” aims to create a more inclusive society, ensuring that women and girls receive the respect, opportunities, and protection they rightfully deserve.
The First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio expressed her joy and appreciation for the campaignโs launch, highlighting its mission to ensure equality and justice for all.
She emphasized the importance of respect and dignity for women, urging society to treat women with the consideration they deserve, noting that Sierra Leone has joined 16 other countries in this initiative. She proudly highlighted the success of the “Hands Off Our Girls Campaign,” which has significantly improved school retention rates for girls.
The first lady also mentioned the medical scholarships her office provides and the support for victims of sexual violence and rape.
Goodwill messages were delivered by invited First Ladies and dignitaries.