10/09/2026
Today, 10th September 2026 our Founder & Executive Director of LYDIA Network, Miss Lydia Kadie Tucker, also serving as the Youth & Communication Officer at Planned Parenthood Association Sierra Leone (PPASL), joined Rise Radiosl 96.3 FM for a live conversation on an important milestone in the global fight against child, early and forced marriage.
The discussion followed the unanimous adoption by the United Nations General Assembly on 4th September 2026 of Resolution A/80/L.99, establishing 27 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage. Her Excellency First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, First Lady of Sierra Leone and President of OAFLAD, championed and tabled this important resolution, which was co-sponsored by dozens of countries.
The conversation highlighted the importance of youth participation, amplifying young people’s voices, and strengthening advocacy for the rights, health, wellbeing, education and future of girls. At LYDIA Network, we believe that young people must be part of the conversations shaping their future not just as participants, but as advocates, storytellers and leaders driving social change.
Child, early and forced marriage continues to rob many girls of their childhood, education, choices and opportunities. Ending it requires sustained advocacy, collective action and meaningful youth leadership.