Dr. Ibrahim Bangura Calls for Increased Investment in Girls' Education and Empowerment in Sierra Leone

Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, the leader of the DIB Movement and presumptive APC flagbearer, delivered a keynote address at the 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum in Freetown, Sierra Leone. The event, organised by the Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone, took place on October 30, 2026, at the Sierra Leone Parliament. This year's forum focused on the theme "Her Choice Is to Be in School, Not in the Matrimonial Home: Invest in Her and End FGM for a Better Future."

Dr. Bangura stressed that empowering girls is crucial for national development, stating that investing in girls is key to building Sierra Leone's human capital, fostering social progress, and ensuring long-term prosperity. He emphasized that education should extend beyond academic performance, equipping girls with the knowledge and confidence to make informed choices, achieve economic independence, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

The Dr. Bangura warned that early marriage and other harmful practices disrupt girls' education, adversely impacting their well-being and limiting their participation in economic and political spheres. He called for a united response from society, involving government, schools, parents, traditional and religious leaders, civil society, and development partners, to eliminate barriers to education for girls.

Dr. Bangura argued that girls' empowerment should not be seen as charity but as a vital investment in the country's future. He stated that girls must be seen not just as recipients of development aid but as active participants in shaping Sierra Leone's social, economic, and democratic landscape. He also emphasized the importance of involving boys and men in efforts to challenge negative attitudes and create equal opportunities.

Dr. Bangura urged stakeholders to convert promises into tangible results by improving access to education, developing child-protection systems, expanding mentorship opportunities, and providing targeted support to vulnerable girls. These initiatives should aim for measurable improvements in girls' safety, education, and empowerment. He praised the Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone for their continued commitment to the forum.

The Dr. Bangura called for enhanced collaboration to ensure that advocacy leads to meaningful outcomes. He asserted that protecting and empowering girls must remain a top priority in Sierra Leone's developmental agenda. Dr. Bangura concluded by stating that investing in girls is investing in Sierra Leone's future and that safeguarding their childhood secures the country's collective future.

The 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum highlighted the necessity of collective action to safeguard girls' education, dignity, health, and future opportunities. The event provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the importance of investing in girls and to strategize ways to eliminate harmful practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.

Key points

• Dr. Ibrahim Bangura calls for increased investment in girls' education and empowerment to ensure Sierra Leone's long-term prosperity.
• The 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum focused on the theme "Her Choice Is to Be in School, Not in the Matrimonial Home: Invest in Her and End FGM for a Better Future."
• Dr. Bangura emphasizes the importance of involving boys and men in efforts to challenge negative attitudes and create equal opportunities for girls.