By Michaella Faith Wright
In a significant step towards safeguarding the future of Sierra Leone’s children, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, spearheaded a vital discussion with the Female Caucus of Parliament on the Prohibition of Early Child Marriage Bill, 2024. The meeting, held in Committee Room One of the Parliament Building, underscored the urgency and importance of this legislative measure in protecting the nation’s most vulnerable population.
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio commenced the session by warmly congratulating the female Members of Parliament on their representation in a predominantly male political landscape. She highlighted their courage and perseverance, emphasizing that her role as First Lady is secondary to the broader impact she aims to achieve for women and girls across the nation. The First Lady pointed out that unity among women, transcending political and social boundaries, is essential to effect meaningful change in Sierra Leone.
Drawing from her personal experiences, Dr. Bio shared a poignant story that illustrated the stakes involved. As a young girl, her parents arranged for her to marry a man who is now an imam. She revealed that this experience underscores the critical nature of the bill in protecting young girls and promoting their welfare. Her narrative powerfully illustrated the potential life-changing impact of the proposed legislation, which has been seven years in the making. It was a call to action, demonstrating how close she came to a different life and highlighting the transformative potential of education and opportunity.
The First Lady praised the bipartisan cooperation among the female MPs, considering it a testament to national unity for women’s issues. She lauded Hon. Catherine Tarawally for her steadfast support and acknowledged Hon. Zombo for her exemplary work in championing female-related causes, as recommended by the Leader of Government Business. This cooperation, she noted, is a beacon of hope and a model for future legislative efforts.
In her heartfelt appeal to the female MPs, Dr. Bio stressed the dire consequences faced by many young girls in Sierra Leone due to early child marriage. She highlighted the tragic reality of teenage girls dying in childbirth, filling mortuaries, due to the absence of protective laws such as the proposed bill. She painted a vivid picture of the urgency of the situation, drawing attention to the real and present dangers these young girls face.
Hon. Wuyatta Songa, President of the Female Caucus, emphasized the crucial nature of the First Lady’s engagement for the bill’s success. She underscored Dr. Bio’s significant contributions and how her involvement would empower female MPs to advocate effectively during legislative debates. Her remarks highlighted the importance of having influential advocates like the First Lady in driving legislative change and garnering public support.
Majority Leader and Leader of Government Business, Hon. Mattew Sahr Nyuma, called for a bipartisan approach to women’s and children’s issues, underscoring their importance beyond political lines. He stressed that the bill’s benefits extend to all women in Sierra Leone, irrespective of political affiliation. His remarks were a powerful reminder that some issues transcend politics and require a united front.
In a show of cross-party support, Hon. Abdul Kargbo, Leader of the Opposition, shared his observations on the detrimental effects of early child marriage within his community. He assured the First Lady of the opposition’s backing, acknowledging the bill’s crucial and non-controversial nature. His support highlighted the universal recognition of the bill’s importance and the shared commitment to protecting the country’s children.
The meeting concluded with unanimous commendations for Dr. Fatima Maada Bio’s leadership and dedication to championing the Prohibition of Early Child Marriage Bill. The female MPs expressed their strong commitment to supporting the bill and ensuring its enactment into law, marking a pivotal moment in the fight for children’s rights and women’s welfare in Sierra Leone. This landmark discussion is poised to drive significant progress, uniting diverse political voices in a common cause to protect and empower the nation’s youth.
The bill, once passed, is expected to have far-reaching implications, fundamentally altering the landscape of children’s rights in Sierra Leone. It aims not only to prohibit early child marriage but also to foster an environment where young girls can pursue their education and personal development free from the threat of premature and forced marriage. By addressing this critical issue, the government and advocates like Dr. Bio are paving the way for a brighter, more equitable future for all Sierra Leoneans.
Copyright –Published in print in Expo Times Newspaper on Friday, June 14th , 2024 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)
