By Amin Kef (Ranger)
President of the Republic of Sierra Leone and Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, His Excellency Dr. Julius Maada Bio, on Sunday, March 8, 2026, joined the global community in commemorating International Women’s Day with a renewed call for stronger protection of the rights of women and girls.
Delivering his message on the occasion, President Bio noted that this year’s celebration is being observed under the theme “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” emphasizing that the theme serves as a powerful reminder for Governments, institutions and communities to remove the barriers that continue to prevent women and girls from achieving full equality.
According to the President, those barriers include discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, harmful practices and entrenched social norms that undermine the dignity, safety and opportunities of women and girls.
He stressed that while the recognition of rights is important, true progress requires defending those rights through practical action.
“The theme reminds us that rights must not only be declared but defended, justice must not only exist but be accessible and action must not only be promised but sustained,” President Bio stated.
Reflecting on the role of women in Sierra Leone’s development, President Bio acknowledged that women remain central to the country’s social, economic and democratic progress.
He highlighted the contributions of women across all sectors, from rural farmers and market traders to teachers, professionals and members of the judiciary.
“Across our country, women sustain families, power local economies and strengthen our democracy,” the President said, noting that women’s contributions remain fundamental to national development.
President Bio also shared personal reflections on the influence of women in his life, particularly his late mother and elder sister, whom he described as sources of discipline, compassion, resilience and moral guidance.
“My late mother instilled in me discipline, compassion and deep respect for the dignity of others, while my elder sister embodied resilience and quiet courage. Their strength continues to guide my leadership,” he noted.
Speaking as a father to daughters, the President said that his personal experiences reinforce his conviction that every girl must be protected by law and given equal opportunities to succeed.
“Every girl must grow up with the confidence to pursue her ambitions without limitation and without fear,” he emphasized.
The President also linked the celebration of International Women’s Day with Sierra Leone’s first observance of the National Remembrance Day, which reflects on the country’s civil war and honors those who lost their lives during that period.
He paid tribute to the women who endured violence, displacement and suffering during the conflict while continuing to hold families and communities together.
“We honour the women who lost their lives during our civil war and remember those who endured unimaginable hardship. Their sacrifices laid the foundation for the peace and stability we continue to protect today,” he stated.
President Bio further highlighted the Government’s ongoing commitment to gender equality through legislative and policy reforms, including the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, which guarantees a minimum of 30 percent representation for women in elective and appointive positions.
He described the legislation as a historic milestone that moved gender inclusion from aspiration to legal obligation.
According to him, the implementation of the GEWE Act has already resulted in the highest level of women’s representation in Parliament and across public institutions in Sierra Leone’s history.
Beyond political representation, the President explained that the Act also promotes economic justice by expanding women’s access to employment, finance, land ownership and public procurement opportunities, while reinforcing the principle of equal pay for equal work.
He also emphasized the Government’s efforts to strengthen laws and support systems addressing Sexual and Gender-Based Violence.
“Violence against women is not tradition. It is an injustice. It is a crime. And it must end now,” President Bio declared.
The President further called for collective action to eliminate harmful cultural practices such as child marriage and discriminatory norms that prevent girls from completing their education.
He pointed to the Free Quality Education Programme as a key policy that has significantly increased the number of girls staying in school and advancing to higher levels of education.
“Education remains one of the most powerful instruments of justice and long-term equality,” he said.
President Bio stressed that achieving gender equality requires more than legislation, urging families, institutions, traditional authorities, religious leaders and workplaces to actively promote fairness and equal opportunity.
He also called on men and boys across Sierra Leone and the wider West African region to continue supporting gender equality as HeForShe champions, noting that gender justice strengthens families, stabilizes communities and secures the future.
As Chair of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, President Bio extended solidarity to women and girls across West Africa, emphasizing that regional peace, democracy and economic integration depend on protecting the rights of women.
“There can be no lasting peace, no credible democracy and no sustainable economic integration in West Africa without justice for women,” he stated.
Concluding his message, President Bio reaffirmed that the future of Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS region will be shaped by how effectively Governments remove barriers and create opportunities for women and girls.
“Our responsibility is to ensure that every woman and girl stands equal before the law and equal in opportunity. We owe this not only to the women of today but to the generations yet unborn,” he said.
The President ended by wishing women and girls across Sierra Leone and the ECOWAS region a meaningful and empowering International Women’s Day.
