Dr. Ibrahim Bangura, Leader of the DIB Movement and the presumptive APC Flagbearer, has called for stronger national action to protect girls’ rights, expand access to quality education, and end harmful practices, including child marriage.
Dr. Bangura made the call on Friday, 30th October 2026 while delivering his statement as Guest Speaker at the 11th Annual National Girls Empowerment Forum (NaGEF 2026), organised by the Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone at the Sierra Leone Parliament in Freetown.
The forum, 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,” brought renewed attention to the need for collective action to safeguard girls’ education, dignity, health and future prospects.
Dr. Bangura described girls’ empowerment as a fundamental development priority, arguing that investment in girls is essential to Sierra Leone’s human capital development, social progress and long-term prosperity.
He stressed that education extends beyond academic achievement to providing girls with the knowledge, confidence and opportunities necessary to make informed decisions, achieve 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 emphasised.
He warned that early marriage and other harmful practices could interrupt girls’ education, undermine their wellbeing and limit their ability to participate fully in economic and public life.
The DIB Movement Leader called for coordinated action involving government, Parliament, educational institutions, parents, traditional and religious leaders, civil society organisations and development partners to address the social and economic circumstances that prevent girls from remaining in school.
He argued that girls’ empowerment should not be viewed as charity, but as a necessary investment in Sierra Leone’s development. According to him, girls must be recognised not merely as beneficiaries of development programmes, but as active participants in shaping the country’s social, economic and democratic future.
Dr. Bangura also underscored the importance of engaging boys and men in challenging harmful attitudes, promoting equal opportunities and fostering communities in which every child is valued and protected.
He urged stakeholders to move beyond public declarations towards measurable results, including improved access to quality education, stronger child-protection systems, expanded mentorship and skills-development opportunities, and targeted support for vulnerable girls.
Commending the Kids Advocacy Network Sierra Leone for sustaining the National Girls Empowerment Forum, he called for stronger partnerships and sustained commitment to translating advocacy into practical outcomes.
Dr. Bangura concluded that the protection and empowerment of girls must remain central to Sierra Leone’s development aspirations. “When we invest in our girls, we invest in Sierra Leone. When we protect their childhood, we safeguard our collective future,” he noted.
@ DIB Movement Media & Comms Team
30/10/26