MoGCA, Partners Renew Call to End Child Marriage on International Day of the Girl Child

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA) has reaffirmed the Government of Sierra Leone’s commitment to protecting girls’ rights, ending child marriage and expanding access to education, healthcare and opportunities for personal development.

The commitment was renewed during the 2026 International Day of the Girl Child commemoration, held on 11 October at Port Loko District Council Hall under the theme, “End Child Marriage and Invest in the Girl Child.”

Delivering the keynote address, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs said child marriage continues to threaten girls’ education, health, dignity and future prospects. She stressed that cultural practices, social pressures and economic hardship must never be used to justify violations of children’s rights.

The Minister identified the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, and the Child Rights Act, 2025, as essential legal frameworks for strengthening child protection. She emphasised the need for effective enforcement, public awareness, institutional accountability and accessible protection services.

She also highlighted the First Lady’s advocacy at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2026 as an important step towards mobilising international support to end child, early and forced marriage.

Referring to recent convictions linked to an attempted marriage involving a 16-year-old girl in Freetown, the Minister reiterated the Government’s determination to investigate and prosecute individuals who engage in or facilitate child marriage.

She called for greater investment in girls’ education, healthcare, psychosocial support, economic empowerment and leadership development, particularly for girls with disabilities and those living in hard-to-reach communities. She further urged traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful practices, while encouraging boys and young men to promote gender equality and respect for girls’ rights.

Organised by MoGCA in collaboration with child protection partners, the commemoration brought together children from across Sierra Leone, chaperones, the national executive of the Children’s Forum Network (CFN), government officials and development partners.

In her welcome address, former CFN member Mary Julius described the occasion as an expression of national and international commitment to ending child marriage and investing in the welfare and development of girls.

CFN President Sheriff Bangura pledged the network’s continued advocacy for children’s rights through community engagement and awareness-raising initiatives.

Nancy Gbamoi, representing the Child Rights Coalition, called for stronger child protection mechanisms and increased community involvement in preventing violations against children.

Plan International representative Dora Conteh emphasised the importance of sustained investment in girls’ development and community-based protection initiatives, while Save the Children representative Esther Elliott Nyuma called for stronger law enforcement and expanded school-based advocacy.

UNFPA representative Niamh Ruairc highlighted the need for sustained social investment and coordinated action to safeguard girls’ rights and create opportunities for them to realise their full potential.

The commemoration reinforced calls for stronger partnerships among government institutions, families, communities and development organisations to eliminate child marriage, protect girls from harmful practices and ensure that every girl has the opportunity to grow up safely, complete her education and contribute meaningfully to national development.