Freetown: Sierra Leone has taken a significant step in safeguarding children’s rights with the enactment of a new law banning child marriage.
The historic moment unfolded at a ceremony organized by First Lady Fatima Maada Bio in the capital, Freetown, where President Julius Maada Bio signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act into law.
The event, attended by dignitaries including first ladies from Cape Verde and Namibia, underscored Sierra Leone’s commitment to end the harmful practice of child marriage.
Under the new legislation, anyone involved in marrying a girl under 18 years old faces severe penalties, including a minimum 15-year jail term, a fine of approximately $4,000 (£3,200), or both.
Those who face punishment under the new rules include the groom, the parents or guardians of the child bride, and even those who attend the wedding.
Sierra Leone, a primarily patriarchal society where forced marriages are prevalent, has seen approximately one-third of its girls married off before reaching 18. This practice contributes significantly to lowering the country’s high rates of maternal mortality on a global scale.
West and Central Africa has the highest prevalence of child marriage in the world and is home to nearly 60 million child brides, according to UNICEF.
President Bio, speaking at the ceremony, highlighted personal experiences that shaped his commitment to gender equality. Raised by his mother and elder sister after losing his father early in life, he expressed dedication to empowering women and girls in Sierra Leone.
The enactment of the law received applause from rights activists and international bodies. The US Bureau of African Affairs welcomed it as a ‘significant milestone’ in protecting human rights and safeguarding the future of young girls in Sierra Leone.
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