Julius Maada Bio, President of Sierra Leone and Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of Heads of State and Government, has called for sustained action to promote gender equality and protect the rights of women and girls across the region.
In a national address on Sunday, March 8, marking International Women’s Day 2026, President Bio said this year’s global theme—“Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”—serves as a reminder that governments, institutions and communities must work together to dismantle barriers that continue to deny women full equality.
He noted that discriminatory laws, harmful cultural practices, weak legal protections and restrictive social norms remain major obstacles to women’s progress, stressing that rights must be defended, justice made accessible and commitments to equality translated into concrete action.
The President highlighted the critical role women play in Sierra Leone’s development, describing them as central to family stability, economic growth and democratic progress. He pointed to the contributions of women across various sectors, including agriculture, education, business and the judiciary.
Reflecting on personal influences, Bio said the strength and values of the women in his life, particularly his late mother and elder sister, shaped his leadership and reinforced his commitment to advancing women’s rights.
As a father of daughters, he added, he believes every girl deserves protection under the law and equal opportunities to achieve her ambitions.
President Bio also linked this year’s commemoration to Sierra Leone’s first National Remembrance Day, honouring women who suffered or lost their lives during the country’s civil war.
He paid tribute to those who endured violence, displacement and hardship, as well as women who helped rebuild communities and promote reconciliation and peace.
The President highlighted key reforms undertaken by his government, including the enactment of the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, which guarantees at least 30 percent representation for women in elective and appointive positions.
According to him, the legislation has helped increase women’s representation in Parliament and other public institutions to the highest level in the country’s history.
He also noted that the law promotes equal access to employment, finance, land and public procurement, while reinforcing the principle of equal pay for equal work.
On gender-based violence, Bio said the government has strengthened enforcement mechanisms and expanded survivor-centred support systems to improve access to justice.
He stressed that violence against women should not be justified as tradition but recognised as a crime that must be eradicated.
The President further called for collective action to address harmful practices such as child marriage and barriers preventing girls from completing their education. He said the government’s Free Quality Education Programme continues to enable more girls to remain in school and pursue higher levels of learning.
Bio urged men and boys in Sierra Leone and across West Africa to support gender equality efforts, emphasising that partnership is essential to building stronger families and communities.
As ECOWAS Chair, he extended solidarity to women and girls across the region, noting that sustainable peace, credible democracy and economic integration in West Africa cannot be achieved without justice and equal opportunities for women.
He concluded by urging renewed commitment to protecting women’s rights and ensuring that equality is upheld not only in law but also in homes, workplaces and institutions across Sierra Leone and the wider ECOWAS region.
