Sierra Leone has introduced a landmark law banning child marriage, celebrated at a ceremony in the capital, Freetown, hosted by First Lady Fatima Bio.
President Julius Maada Bio signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act into law amidst applause from invited dignitaries, including first ladies from Cape Verde and Namibia.
Under the new legislation, anyone involved in marrying off a girl under the age of 18 faces a minimum 15-year jail term, a fine of approximately $4,000 (£3,200), or both. This move is hailed as critical in a society where patriarchal traditions often compel fathers to arrange marriages for their daughters against their will.
Khadijatu Barrie, a 26-year-old university student, shared her relief at the new law, recalling her own escape from a forced marriage at age 10.
“I really wish it had happened earlier. I could have at least saved my sister and my friends and other neighbors,” she expressed, emphasizing the law’s potential to protect vulnerable girls.
Despite the law’s passage, challenges remain, particularly in rural areas where tradition holds strong.
Education and awareness about the law’s provisions are seen as crucial to its effective implementation. The Ministry of Health estimates that a third of girls in Sierra Leone are married before turning 18, contributing to high rates of maternal mortality.
President Bio, reflecting on his personal journey and the influence of strong women in his life, including his wife, underscored his commitment to gender equality.
Rights activists and international observers have welcomed the legislation as a significant step forward for human rights in Sierra Leone.
The enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act marks a pivotal moment in Sierra Leone’s efforts to protect its young girls and empower women throughout the country.
