Sierra Leone enacts landmark law to save girl-child
Sierra Leone has taken a significant step towards protecting the rights of young girls by enacting a new law that prohibits child marriage.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act was signed into law by President Julius Maada Bio during a high-profile ceremony in Freetown, attended by notable figures including the first ladies of Cape Verde and Namibia.
In Africa, religion and cultural practices contribute to Child Marriage. Determined to secure the future of African girl-child, President Julius Maada has set the ball rolling.
How the law will affect religious people in the country will be seen in months and years to come. Islam allows child marriage, which conflicts with the law.
Under the new legislation, anyone found involved in the marriage of a girl under 18 will face severe penalties, including a minimum prison sentence of 15 years and a fine of approximately $4,000 (£3,200). The law’s passage has been hailed as a crucial victory for gender rights activists and the broader fight against child exploitation.
Khadijatu Barrie, a university student and gender studies major, expressed her relief at the new law. Barrie, whose sister was married off at 14, emphasized the law’s potential to protect future generations. “I really wish it had happened earlier. I could have at least saved my sister and my friends and other neighbors,” she told the BBC.
BBC cited the unfortunate story of Barrie’s family, which points to the massive relief the law brought to victims of child marriage.
In Sierra Leone’s children are often forced into marriage as witnessed by patriarchal society.
The situation has become a concern for the society as they continue to fight for the safety of children who are abused in different marriages forced upon them.
” When these minors are forced into marriage, they tend to face abuse because they barely have the maturity needed to stand their grounds”
“They didn’t choose these men, and even if they did, it was coerced or they barely know what they are going into. They take advantage of their immaturity ” Dailytab24 following the news noted.
Barrie herself narrowly escaped such a fate at the age of 10, fleeing her home after her father disowned her. With the support of teachers and a UN children’s agency worker, she was able to continue her education and find accommodation.
However, Barrie noted that enforcing the new law in rural areas would require significant effort. “If everyone understands what’s there waiting for you in case you do it, I’m sure this country will be a better one,” she said, stressing the need for widespread education about the law.
The health ministry estimates that one-third of Sierra Leonean girls are married before 18, contributing to the country’s high maternal mortality rate. The new law targets not only the groom but also the parents or guardians of the child bride, and even those who attend the wedding, ensuring broad accountability.
First Lady Fatima Bio, a prominent advocate against sexual abuse, orchestrated the ceremonial signing of the bill, which had not received much local media coverage since its passage by parliament.
At the ceremony, President Bio highlighted his personal commitment to empowering women and girls, drawing from his own experiences of being raised by his mother and elder sister. His eight-year-old daughter was among those present at the signing. “Together, we want to build an empowered Sierra Leone where women are given an even platform to reach their full potential. I have always believed that the future of Sierra Leone is female,” he stated.
The law has been praised by rights activists and international observers. The US Bureau of African Affairs described it as a “significant milestone” in advancing human rights protections in Sierra Leone BBC narrated.
