06/09/2026
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a landmark resolution establishing 27 November as the International Day to End Child, Early and Forced Marriage, a historic victory for millions of girls worldwide, and a moment of deep pride for Sierra Leone, which led the resolution with support from 42 co-sponsoring nations. FIIDI-Sierra Leone warmly welcomes this milestone. With 650 million women and girls globally married before age 18, and 12 million more becoming child brides every year, this International Day creates a vital annual platform for governments, communities, and civil society to accelerate action and hold progress accountable. In Sierra Leone, child marriage has declined from 51% in 1994 to 30% today, but progress remains too slow. Through our Citizen Action to End Child, Early, and Forced Marriage programme in Port Loko District, FIIDI-Sierra Leone works daily with communities, families, and young people to challenge the norms and conditions that drive this practice. This new International Day gives that grassroots work a global stage. Every 27 November, the world now has a moment to renew its commitment. We call on all partners, communities, and decision-makers to translate this political milestone into concrete action because every girl deserves the chance to learn, grow, and choose her own future. -SierrLeone
