Sierra Leone Marks International Day of Families with Historic Awareness Walk

Sierra Leone on Saturday joined the rest of the world to commemorate the International Day of Families with a nationwide awareness walk that brought together children, parents, government officials, teachers, and civil society actors in a powerful display of unity and advocacy for child welfare and social equality.

The early morning procession, which moved through major streets of the capital, was jointly organized by the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, the Ministry of Social Welfare, and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education. The event formed part of national efforts to raise awareness on family well-being under the theme: “Families, Inequalities and Child Well-being.”

Participants, including schoolchildren and families, carried placards with messages such as “Protect Every Child,” “Families Matter,” and “Equality Begins at Home,” while others sang and marched in solidarity, turning sections of Freetown into a moving symbol of advocacy and community engagement.

For many children involved, the walk reflected real-life concerns affecting families across Sierra Leone, including poverty, limited access to education, domestic challenges, and gaps in social protection systems.

Government officials used the occasion to reiterate calls for stronger family structures and improved protection for vulnerable children. The Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs emphasized that national development cannot be achieved without safeguarding children and strengthening families, noting that children thrive best in safe and supportive environments.

She highlighted ongoing legal reforms, particularly the Child Rights Act of 2025, which strengthens protections against child abuse, exploitation, child labour, early marriage, and neglect. The Minister also referenced the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act of 2022, describing it as a key framework for advancing women’s participation and equality within society.

Officials from the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Basic and Senior Secondary School Education echoed similar concerns, pointing to continued barriers facing vulnerable children, including access to education, healthcare, and psychosocial support.

Civil society organizations participating in the walk also called for expanded social protection systems and stronger community-level interventions to address family instability and child vulnerability.

A major highlight of the event was the participation of families themselves, with parents sharing personal accounts of economic hardship and its impact on childcare. One mother noted that many children suffer silently due to financial pressures within households, stressing that collective responsibility is needed to protect children.

As the walk concluded, organizers renewed calls for national unity in addressing inequality and strengthening families. Beyond the speeches and banners, the event left a symbolic message across Freetown: that the future of every child is closely tied to the strength, stability, and support of the family and society around them.