On October 11, Dr Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, joined child protection partners to commemorate International Day of the Girl, congratulating Sierra Leone’s girls and calling for renewed action to protect their rights.
According to Dr Mahoi, the day emphasises the importance of equal opportunities and services for girls so that they can become leaders of the future. She cited the 1995 Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action as a long-term blueprint for advancing women’s and girls’ rights, emphasising that every girl should be able to live free of violence, have access to and complete an education, make informed marriage decisions, participate in decision-making, and be paid equally.
The minister recognised the serious protection challenges that girls face in Sierra Leone, such as sexual exploitation and abuse, adolescent pregnancy, child marriage, harmful traditional practices, child labour, trafficking, stigma, and domestic violence. She stated that the Ministry and its partners remain committed to championing girls’ rights and raising awareness about all forms of abuse.
Dr Mahoi highlighted government action, stating that the Ministry is reviewing and revising the 2007 Child Rights Act, as well as developing a National Strategy for Children in Street Situations. One-Stop Centres have been established across districts to provide free, comprehensive services to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence. She noted that more than 90% of cases reported to One-Stop Centres, Rainbo Centres, and the Family Support Unit involve girls and urged partners to change that trend.
She also mentioned justice-sector reforms, such as the creation of a Sexual Offences Model Court to expedite cases and increase prosecutions. To improve reporting and access to services, the Ministry has launched a free 116 hotline that is accessible via all mobile networks.
This year’s global theme, “Our time is now—our rights, our future,” has been localised as “Girls!” Our time has come—for our rights and future.” To commemorate the occasion, activities include extensive media coverage (radio jingles, district discussions, documentaries, and television programs), national girls’ games and talent shows, and district-level community engagement through schools, banners, and T-shirts.
Dr Mahoi and her colleagues pledged to redouble their efforts to protect girls’ rights and ensure a safer, brighter future for Sierra Leonean girls, praising their dedication and ongoing advocacy for equality and protection.
