MoGCA AND PARTNERS COMMEMORATE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF THE GIRL CHILD.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), in collaboration with Child Protection Partners, commemorated the 2025 International Day of the Girl Child under the theme “The Girl I Am, The Change I Need.”

The event which was held at the Atlantic Beach Hotel in Freetown, brought together key stakeholders from Child Protection Agencies, Government institutions, and Development partners to reaffirm their commitment to promoting girls’ rights, empowerment, and equal opportunities.

Present at the ceremony were representatives from UNICEF, Save the Children, Child Fund, Plan International, BRAC, the National Commission for Children (NCC), and the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), alongside the Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Buakai Hindowa Bindi.

Co-chairpersons Salome, Hope Sesay and Melvina I. G. Conteh highlighted the importance of the International Day of the Girl Child as a global platform to celebrate the potentials of girls and advocate for their empowerment.

Speaking on behalf of UNICEF, Edna Vincent commended the Ministry and its partners for their collaborative efforts in advancing gender equality.

She emphasized UNICEF’s continued support in promoting girls’ participation, ending child marriage, and ensuring access to quality education—especially for girls in rural areas.

She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to protecting and empowering marginalized girls through strategic partnerships with government and stakeholders.

In his statement, BRAC representative Luseni S. F. Kappa stressed the need for collective action to protect girls from abuse, violence, and exploitation.

He emphasize that every girl deserves the opportunity to live with dignity and pursue quality education, adding, “Understanding the future hope of the girl child is essential for building a better country.”

Representing Child Fund, Aruna Lahai highlighted the resilience of girls who continue to lead despite challenges posed by inequality, disasters, and limited access to education. He outlined Child Fund’s ongoing collaboration with government and partners to strengthen girls’ leadership, prevent child trafficking, and provide mentorship and healthcare support.

Plan International’s representative, Peter Koroma, called for stronger advocacy against child marriage, discrimination, and gender-based violence.

He encouraged parents and communities to support girls’ ambitions and education, saying that empowering girls is key to national development and peace building.

Save the Children’s Esther Elliott Nyuma emphasized that the theme is a call to action to recognize girls as leaders, particularly during times of crisis.

She reaffirmed Save the Children’s commitment to working with MoGCA, CFN, and child protection partners to promote access to education, protection, and participation for every girl.

Representing the National Commission for Children, Addie Valcarcel stressed the importance of investing in girls to address challenges such as limited access to education, violence, and social inequality.

The President of the Children’s Forum Network, Philipa Cride-Dole, urged partners to strengthen protection mechanisms against abuse and child marriage, adding, “We need to empower and protect girls so they can thrive and lead with confidence.”

Delivering the Keynote address, Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Buakai Hindowa Bindi, reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to safeguarding girls and promoting their development! nationwide.

He outlined several government-led interventions, including the Child Rights Act? (CRA), the Alternative Care Policy, and other legal frameworks designed to protect girls from harm and enhance access to education and social services.

He also referenced the pending CRA Bill awaiting presidential assent, noting the exclusion of the FGM clause to protect girls from bodily harm.

The Deputy Minister called on girls to remain disciplined, focused, and respectful while pursuing education and leadership roles.

He commended child protection partners for their continued collaboration with the Ministry in implementing sustainable protection and empowerment programs for girls.

The ceremony concluded with a group photograph featuring stakeholders, partners, and schoolchildren, symbolizing collective commitment to advancing the rights and wellbeing of girls in Sierra Leone.

Issued by:

MoGCA Communications Unit

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com