By Alpha Conteh
Freetown, 3rd October 2026- Dr. Ibrahim Bangura has called for greater national investment in girls’ education, protection and empowerment, urging stakeholders to intensify efforts to end child marriage and other harmful practices that continue to undermine the rights and future of girls in Sierra Leone.
The APC flagbearer aspirant and Leader of the DIB Movement made this call while delivering a keynote address at the 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum (NaGEF 2026), organised by the Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone at Parliament in Freetown.
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,” the forum brought together advocates, policymakers and development partners to discuss measures aimed at improving the welfare and opportunities of girls across the country.
Addressing participants, Dr. Bangura described girls’ empowerment as a critical national development priority, stressing that investing in girls is essential for Sierra Leone’s human capital development, social progress and long-term prosperity.
He noted that education goes beyond academic achievement, providing girls with the knowledge, confidence and opportunities needed to make informed decisions, attain economic independence and contribute meaningfully to national development.
“Every girl should have the opportunity to complete her education and determine the course of her future without coercion, discrimination or preventable barriers,” he said.
Dr. Bangura warned that child marriage and other harmful cultural practices continue to disrupt the education of many girls, negatively affecting their wellbeing and limiting their participation in economic and public life.
He called for a coordinated national response involving government, Parliament, educational institutions, parents, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to address the social and economic challenges that prevent girls from staying in school.
According to him, empowering girls should not be viewed as charity but as a strategic investment in the country’s future. He argued that girls must be recognised not only as beneficiaries of development initiatives but also as active contributors to Sierra Leone’s social, economic and democratic advancement.
The DIB Movement leader further emphasised the need to engage boys and men in promoting gender equality, challenging harmful attitudes and creating communities where every child is valued, protected and given equal opportunities.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond commitments and public declarations by pursuing concrete results, including improved access to quality education, stronger child protection mechanisms, expanded mentorship programmes and targeted support for vulnerable girls.
Dr. Bangura also commended the Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone for sustaining the annual empowerment forum and called for stronger partnerships to translate advocacy efforts into tangible outcomes.
He concluded by stressing that the protection and empowerment of girls must remain at the centre of Sierra Leone’s development agenda.
“When we invest in our girls, we invest in Sierra Leone. When we protect their childhood, we safeguard our collective future,” he said.
