Bio Urges Men to Stand as HeForShe Champions
By Ishmail Saidu Kanu
On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2026, President Julius Maada Bio made a formal address reaffirming the Republic of Sierra Leone’s commitment to the protection, promotion, and enforcement of the rights of women and girls, in accordance with constitutional guarantees, statutory provisions, and international obligations.
This year’s theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” underlines the legal and moral imperative for gender equality.
President Bio mentioned Government’s continued dedication to dismantling systemic barriers that impede the full realization of women’s rights, including discriminatory laws, harmful customary practices, and entrenched social norms.
In particular, he accentuated the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, which legally mandates a minimum of thirty percent (30%) representation of women in elective and appointive offices, guarantees equal access to employment, financial services, land, and public procurement, and enshrines the principle of equal pay for equal work.
Addressing gender-based violence, the President reiterated that such acts constitute violations of fundamental rights and are prosecutable offences under national law.
He drew attention to government’s efforts to strengthen survivor-centred interventions, augment enforcement mechanisms, and ensure accountability.
Moreover, he noted the Free Quality Education Programme as a long-term structural measure supporting girls’ educational attainment, thereby pushing equality and access to justice.
President Bio further called upon men and boys to actively engage as advocates for gender equality and urged all state institutions, traditional authorities, and policymakers to create and maintain environments conducive to the exercise and protection of women’s rights.
In conclusion, he asserted that the realization of a just and equitable Sierra Leone, and the broader stability of the West African region, is contingent upon the full protection of women’s rights and the elimination of all structural impediments to their participation in governance, economic activity, and society at large.
