President Bio Leads Bold Reforms In Women’s Rights and Healthcare Transformation

President Julius Maada Bio drives transformative change in Sierra Leone, championing women’s rights with landmark reforms and advancing healthcare through a ground breaking 2025 partnership with ILMedicare, a leading European cardiology and preventive care provider, led by renowned Dr. Petros Agathangelou, alongside new AI-powered medical imaging facilities to save countless lives.

Sierra Leone is undergoing a transformative chapter under the leadership of President Julius Maada Bio, who has emerged as a bold advocate for women’s rights and healthcare reform. His ground-breaking policies and partnerships are reshaping the nation’s future, addressing systemic challenges, and setting an example for the region.

For decades, women in Sierra Leone faced significant barriers in education, healthcare, and autonomy, compounded by high maternal mortality rates, gender-based violence, child marriage, and female genital mutilation (FGM). However, President Bio’s leadership has brought historic reforms that defy cultural norms and prioritize equity.

In 2022, President Bio enacted the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Act, guaranteeing 30% representation for women in all elective and appointive positions. Despite resistance, this law resulted in unprecedented gains for women, with the 2023 elections ushering in historic increases in female representation in parliament and cabinet roles. This legislation has solidified President Bio’s reputation as a leader committed to inclusive governance.

President Bio has also made significant strides in combating gender-based violence. Declaring rape and sexual violence a national emergency, his administration reformed the Sexual Offenses Act, created specialized courts to expedite cases, and established dedicated police units to investigate sexual violence. “One-stop centers” were launched to provide survivors with comprehensive care and legal support. These systemic reforms demonstrate his commitment to protecting women and delivering justice.

One of the most controversial yet impactful challenges he has tackled is FGM, a practice affecting over 85% of women and girls in Sierra Leone. Breaking from political tradition, President Bio’s cabinet approved a revised Child Rights Law that explicitly bans FGM for children. Speaking on the issue, President Bio stated, “While we must respect our culture, we have a duty to protect our girls and ensure their safety.” The proposed law, now before parliament, signals a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s journey toward safeguarding women’s rights.