In a landmark move, Sierra Leone has officially banned child marriage with the signing of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act into law. President Julius Maada Bio signed the bill at a ceremony in Freetown, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to protect girls’ rights and promote gender equality.
The new law makes it illegal for anyone to marry a girl under the age of 18, with penalties including a minimum 15-year prison sentence, a fine of around $4,000, or both. The law applies to all individuals involved in the marriage, including the groom, parents, guardians, and even wedding guests.
First Lady Fatima Bio, a champion of women’s rights, organized the ceremony, which was attended by first ladies from Cape Verde and Namibia. The event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of prohibiting child marriage and promoting girls’ empowerment.
Khadijatu Barrie, a university student who escaped child marriage at the age of 10, welcomed the ban but expressed regret that it didn’t come sooner to save her younger sister, who was married off at 14. Barrie emphasized the need for widespread awareness about the new law, especially in rural areas, to ensure its effective implementation.
The ministry of health estimates that one-third of girls in Sierra Leone are married before turning 18, contributing to the country’s high maternal mortality rate. The new law aims to address this issue and promote girls’ education, health, and well-being.
Rights activists and international organizations, including the US Bureau of African Affairs, have hailed the law as a significant milestone in promoting human rights protections in Sierra Leone. President Bio reaffirmed his commitment to empowering women and girls, acknowledging the crucial role his mother and sister played in his life.
The ban on child marriage marks a crucial step forward for Sierra Leone, and its effective implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of countless girls and women in the country.
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