The true measure of policy commitments lies not only in the frameworks and declarations they create but also in the lives they protect and the results they deliver.
Across the world, countries have made commitments to advance the rights and dignity of women and girls through national laws, regional frameworks, and global agreements. But commitments only make a difference when they are matched with implementation, adequate resources, and systems that measure progress and deliver results.
For Sierra Leone, this is not only a question of policy; it is a question of the future envisioned for every girl, one where her rights are protected, her choices are respected, and she has the opportunity to thrive. Yet harmful practices, including Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and Child, Early, and Forced Marriage (CEFM), continue to affect the health, education, and futures of girls across the country.
This is why Sierra Leone’s participation as part of the second cohort of African Union (AU) Member States piloting the AU Accountability Framework on the Elimination of Harmful Practices is significant. The framework provides an opportunity to improve how progress is measured, implementation gaps are addressed, and responsibilities are translated into action.
Sierra Leone has demonstrated meaningful progress in protecting girls. According to the Demographic and Health Survey, FGM prevalence among women aged 15–49 declined from 90 percent in 2013 to 83 percent in 2019. It is our hope that the next population survey will reveal an even bigger reduction in FGM prevalence due to the measures undertaken by government and civil society with the support of UNFPA to accelerate the elimination of FGM in Sierra Leone. The enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act also marked a significant milestone in advancing legal protection for girls under 18.
These gains show what is possible. They also demonstrate that progress depends not only on laws and commitments but also on the systems, resources, and coordination required to deliver results. Reliable evidence, clear responsibilities, and meaningful community participation are essential to ensuring that progress reaches those who need it most.
The AU Accountability Framework supports this approach by strengthening evidence systems, tracking progress, and reinforcing shared responsibility among stakeholders working to eliminate harmful practices. Anchored in Agenda 2063 and Sustainable Development Goal Target 5.3, it provides a practical mechanism for translating commitments into measurable outcomes.
Achieving lasting change requires action at every level. Government institutions must lead through policy implementation, investment, and enforcement. Traditional and religious leaders, communities, and local actors must remain engaged in transforming social norms. Civil society organizations, survivor networks, women’s movements, and youth advocates provide critical evidence, oversight, and community perspectives that strengthen national efforts.
In Sierra Leone, civil society has played a vital role in bringing harmful practices into national dialogue, supporting survivors, engaging communities, and advocating for stronger protection mechanisms. Their contribution demonstrates that accountability is strongest when the experiences and priorities of communities are reflected in national action.
This collective effort is strengthened by partners such as the Government of Iceland, whose continued investment in gender equality and the rights of women and girls supports initiatives that promote prevention, protection, and accountability. Through its partnership with UNFPA and the Government of Sierra Leone under the Accelerating Progress Towards the Elimination of FGM project, Iceland is helping to reinforce national systems and supporting community action.
As the lead United Nations agency for sexual and reproductive health, gender equality, and the rights of women and young people, UNFPA remains committed to working with the Government of Sierra Leone and partners to advance the AU Accountability Framework and contribute to national efforts to protect girls.
Moving forward, progress will depend on four priorities:
- Strengthening data and evidence systems to measure progress and guide action;
- Ensuring coordinated implementation across government, civil society, communities, and partners;
- Investing in prevention and survivor-centred services that protect dignity and support those affected; and
- Maintaining effective oversight mechanisms that track commitments and results.
Ending harmful practices is achievable, but it will not happen through declarations alone. It requires action, shared responsibility, and systems that ensure every institution and actor plays their role in delivering results for girls.
Ultimately, accountability is what transforms ambition into lasting change. When action matches commitments, Sierra Leone can build a future where every girl’s rights are protected, her choices are respected, and her full potential is realized.
