By Prince J Musa in Kenema
Sierra Leone’s First Lady Fatima Bio has stressed her resolve to ensure that the government puts an end to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) in the country. She made this statement at a sanitary pad distribution event targeting over seven hundred school girls in Kenema.
She said girls not using sanitary pads will affect their health. ‘’Using dirty cloths as sanitary pads can make girls develop bacterial infection” she said.
She pointed out that the distribution of the pads also encourages girls’ attendances in school, even during menstruation.
Madam Bio promised that the Hands-Off Our Girls Project she initiated will continue to care for and support girls so that they can acquire quality education. She advised them to concentrate on their studies, and to stay off men.
The First Lady explained that the Hands off Our Girls initiative requires the collective efforts of all stakeholders to protect girls, so they can be useful and productive citizens.
She assured parents and the girls that they will continue to stand firm to eradicate rape and early marriage.
She appealed to all to support the cause and make sure girls are educated, noting that her office has pledged to protect women and girls in the country.
Civil Society representative Augustine Sannoh said the distribution of sanitary pads has greatly healed girls, explaining that some in the past skipped school during their periods because they had no sanitary towels.
Leader of Government Business in Parliament Mathew Sahr Nyuma said the government has done a lot for women's empowerment in the country, stating that it was under the leadership of the first lady that the gender bill was enacted into law.
Nyuma stated that no document was tabled in parliament proposing the approval of the budget for the first lady, noting that she has taken it upon herself to provide sanitary pads for all school-going pupils across the country.
Principal of Holy Rosary Senior Secondary Sister Venita Shuu said the distribution of the pads has enabled the girls to take good care of themselves even when they notice their menstrual period in school.
She appreciated President Julius Maada Bio for giving the first lady the support she needed to promote girl -child education and thanked the First Lady for her efforts in ensuring girls stayed in school.
Shuu encouraged the girls to take their studies seriously in order for them to give back to their communities and the country.
The Principal told the First Lady that heads of schools are calling on the office of the First Lady to talk to the president for the early release of the school subsidies which will enhance the smooth running of schools.
Speaking at the event, politician and media practitioner, Dr. Sylvia O. Blyden said: “The work of First Lady Fatima Bio in supporting women in Sierra Leone, no other woman is yet to work in such a manner and needs appreciation.’’
She said she is a member of the main opposition party, and can criticize the government where necessary but believes in constructive criticism. Dr. Blyden said she has been in active advocacy for women for over thirty years, and admitted that no woman has ever supported and empowered women the way Madam Bio has.
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