By Newman Anthony Leevay
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Bio has launched the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign in the southern district of Bo.
The launch of the campaign in Bo coincides with the 16 Days of Activism on Sexual and Gender Based Violence.
Mrs Bio said her campaign was a reflection of her husband’s promise to keep women and girls safe.
"When President Bio was campaigning to become President of this great country, he promised that if elected he will protect the women and girls of this country," she said.
The Country Representative of UNFPA, Dr Kim Dickson, who was present during the launch on Sunday, praised Mrs Bio for the initiative. She said other African countries could copy from the First Lady's initiative considering the high level of abuse against girls across the continent.
The occasion attracted stakeholders from across the political divide. Activists, musicians, comedians and religious leaders were all present during a colourful occasion at the Bo Stadium.
Alhaji Kanja Sesay, who chaired the program, promised the district's full commitment towards the campaign.
Mrs Bio used the program to call out parents who ignored their responsibility towards their children. She said parents should constantly seek to protect their girls from any situation that would leave them vulnerable.
"Some parents will check whether their chickens have entered their pens but will not check whether their girls are in their room or not, whiles other parents will allow their girls to go and look for money to support the home," she stated.
"That's bad" she added.
Mrs Bio has taken her campaign for girls’ rights across the country. Recently she visited districts like Kenema, Pujehun and Bombali.
Together with other campaigners, the First Lady’s initiative has succeeded in pushing for a stronger law against perpetrators of rape and other sexually violent acts.
Copyright © 2019 Politico Online
