Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, leader of the DIB Movement and presumptive All People's Congress (APC) flagbearer, has urged stakeholders to take stronger action to keep girls in school and end child marriage in Sierra Leone. Speaking at the 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum (NaGEF 2026) in Freetown, Bangura emphasized that empowering girls should be treated as a national development priority. The forum, organized by Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone, brought together stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing girls' education and protecting their rights.
The event was held under the theme, "Her Choice Is to Be in School, Not in the Matrimonial Home: Invest in Her and End FGM for a Brighter Future." Bangura argued that educating girls goes beyond classroom learning, equipping them with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions, become economically independent, and contribute to national development. He stressed that every girl should have the opportunity to complete her education and determine the course of her future without coercion, discrimination, or preventable barriers.
Bangura identified early marriage and other harmful practices as major obstacles that can disrupt girls' schooling, affect their well-being, and restrict their participation in economic and public life. He called for a coordinated response involving government institutions, Parliament, schools, parents, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners to address the factors that prevent girls from completing their education. This response should also involve boys and men in challenging harmful social attitudes and promoting equal opportunities.
The DIB Movement leader emphasized the need for collective responsibility in protecting girls and translating advocacy into practical results. He urged stakeholders to improve access to quality education, strengthen child-protection systems, establish mentorship programs, provide skills training, and offer targeted assistance to vulnerable girls. Bangura also called for sustained partnerships to support the work of Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone, commending the organization for providing a platform for discussions on girls' rights and empowerment.
Bangura maintained that girls should be recognized as contributors to Sierra Leone's future rather than simply recipients of development programs. He stated that investing in girls is investing in Sierra Leone and that protecting their childhood safeguards the collective future. The forum provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing girls' education, protecting their rights, and addressing harmful practices, including female genital mutilation (FGM) and child marriage.
The 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum (NaGEF 2026) was held from October 28-31 at Parliament in Freetown. The event brought together stakeholders from various sectors to discuss ways to empower girls and address the challenges they face. Bangura's speech highlighted the need for a national commitment to girls' education and the importance of collective action to end child marriage and other harmful practices.
The issue of child marriage and girls' education remains a significant challenge in Sierra Leone. According to stakeholders, addressing these challenges requires a sustained effort from all stakeholders, including government institutions, civil society organizations, and individuals. Dr. Bangura's call to action emphasizes the need for a collective response to protect girls and ensure they have access to quality education and equal opportunities.
Key points
- Dr. Ibrahim Bangura urges stakeholders to take stronger action to keep girls in school and end child marriage in Sierra Leone.
- Empowering girls should be treated as a national development priority rather than a social welfare intervention.
- A coordinated response involving government institutions, Parliament, schools, parents, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organizations, and development partners is needed to address the factors that prevent girls from completing their education.
