Freetown, Sierra Leone – October 11, 2024
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and various partners, celebrated the International Day of the Girl Child on Friday, October 11, 2024, at the Family Kingdom in Aberdeen, Freetown. The event aimed to raise awareness about the challenges faced by girls and advocate for their empowerment, education, and well-being.
The day’s theme focused on empowering girls and protecting their rights, with speeches delivered by key stakeholders. Among the speakers were Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hindowa Buakai Bindi, and PC Philipa CrideDole, National President of the Children Forum Network of Sierra Leone. These leaders emphasized the collective responsibility to secure a brighter future for girls in the country.
In her speech, PC CrideDole stressed the need for concrete actions to unlock girls’ full potential, calling for gender equality in all spheres of life, including politics. She reiterated the importance of creating safer environments for girls, advocating for female leadership, and highlighting the submission of a position paper to parliament aimed at improving the lives of girls across Sierra Leone.
“The future I envision for girls in Sierra Leone is one where they have equal opportunities in all areas, including politics,” she said. “I want gender equality to be a reality, not just a goal.”
Deputy Minister Bindi echoed these sentiments, highlighting the government’s commitment, alongside UNICEF, to ensuring that every girl in Sierra Leone receives a quality education, lives free from violence, and is given the dignity she deserves. He emphasized the vital role parents play in supporting their daughters’ ambitions.
The event also featured remarks from Sagane Thiaw, World Vision’s Country Director, who stressed the broader societal benefits of investing in girls. As the event concluded, there was a collective sense of optimism, with all partners reaffirming their dedication to advocating for the rights of girls and ensuring they have the tools and opportunities needed to build a brighter future for themselves and their communities(Ministry of Gender and …).
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