On December 12, President of Sierra Leone, H.E. Julius Maada Bio and First Lady Fatima Maada Bio hosted the 7th Anniversary Banquet of the Hands Off Our Girls Campaign at the State Lodge. The Banquet was attended by First Ladies of multiple African countries and people from various sectors of Sierra Leone. Charge d’ Affaires a.i. of the Chinese Embassy in Sierra Leone, Zhang Dianbin was invited to the event.

In their respective remarks, President Bio and First Lady Fatima Bio reviewed the work and achievements made by Sierra Leone in promoting the rights and interests of women and children, expressed appreciation for the support provided by all partners and friends to Sierra Leone, and promised that Sierra Leonean government will remain committed to promoting the protection of girls and the empowerment of women.

At the event, President Bio presented Charge d’ Affaires a.i. Zhang Dianbin with a certificate of appreciation. Mr. Zhang Dianbin said that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the fourth World Conference on Women, and that China once again successfully held in Beijing a Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women with the aim to promote gender equality and all-round development of women globally. As a good friend of Sierra Leone, Mr. Zhand emphasized, China will continue to provide support and assistance to the best of its ability to protect girls in Sierra Leone.