Sierra Leone Bans Child Marriage Nationwide

Sierra Leone has officially outlawed child marriage, a practice that has long been a severe issue in the country.

The new legislation, signed into law by President Julius Maada Bio, prohibits marriage for anyone under the age of 18, imposing stringent penalties on offenders, including jail terms of up to 15 years and significant fines

The signing ceremony, held in Freetown and hosted by First Lady Fatima Bio, marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s efforts to protect children’s rights and improve their future prospects. The First Lady, along with various child rights organizations like Save the Children, played a crucial role in advocating for this change

The new law, known as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024, is designed to not only criminalize child marriage but also to provide support and protection for the victims. It includes measures to ensure access to education and support services for young girls who have been affected by early marriage

This is particularly important in a country where about one-third of girls are married before the age of 18 and where maternal mortality rates are among the highest in the world due to early pregnancies

Advocates and child rights campaigners have hailed the passage of the bill as a transformative step towards securing a better future for girls in Sierra Leone. The legislation is expected to have a profound impact on the lives of nearly four million children in the country, offering them a chance to reclaim their childhoods and pursue educational and economic opportunities that were previously out of reach

The campaign leading to this legislation saw significant involvement from young girls across the country. Notable among them is the story of Kuji, a 19-year-old who, with the support of Save the Children, successfully campaigned to prevent her 15-year-old cousin’s marriage and helped her return to school. Their efforts have inspired many others and demonstrated the powerful role of youth activism in driving social change

The new law also calls on community leaders to actively support its implementation, ensuring that the protective measures are enforced effectively. By strengthening existing laws and enhancing enforcement mechanisms, the bill aims to create a safer and more supportive environment for children, especially girls

International bodies, including the U.S. Bureau of African Affairs and UNICEF, have welcomed this development, emphasizing its significance not only for Sierra Leone but also as a potential model for other countries in the region to follow. The legislation sets a precedent for robust human rights protections and could inspire similar actions in neighboring countries like Tanzania and Zambia

The enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024 represents a monumental achievement in Sierra Leone’s journey towards safeguarding children’s rights and promoting gender equality. It offers a beacon of hope for millions of girls, providing them with the legal protection and support necessary to build brighter, healthier futures.