Sierra Leone has taken a historic step towards protecting girls’ rights after President Julius Maada Bio signed into a law legislation officially banning child marriage.
This practice, far too prevalent in the country, will now be met with serious consequences for offenders.
The legislation is a beacon of hope for advocates who have tirelessly fought for change in Sierra Leone laws abut marriage.
According to the health ministry, a staggering one-third of girls in Sierra Leone are married before 18. This not only disrupts their education and steals their childhood but also poses significant health risks. Young girls are more likely to die from complications during pregnancy and childbirth.
The new law takes a strong stance against perpetrators. Men who marry underage girls face a minimum of 15 years in prison and a hefty fine of NLe92,000 (around $4,000). Fines are also imposed on parents or those who participate in such ceremonies.
This victory extends beyond Sierra Leone’s borders. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs applauds the legislation as a “significant milestone” with a two-fold impact: protecting girls and strengthening human rights across Africa. The hope is that Sierra Leone’s bold action will inspire other nations, particularly Tanzania and Zambia, to follow suit and eradicate child marriage within their own territories.
The impact is already being felt on a personal level. A 21-year-old former child bride, who wished to remain anonymous, shared with APA News that she was forced into marriage at 14. With the new law in place, she is considering seeking an annulment.
Human Rights Watch researcher Betty Kabari sees the legislation as a potential turning point. She states that it can “break the cycle of early marriage and its devastating consequences.” Furthermore, it paves the way for other African nations to reform their laws and prioritize the well-being of their girls.
ABJ/APA