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Last week, Sierra Leone’s parliament passed landmark legislation banning child marriage. Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill, 2024The law criminalizes marriage of anyone under 18 and is intended to protect girls from this harmful practice that has long violated their rights and hampered their development.
Child marriage is a serious problem in Sierra Leone. 30% of girls and 4% of boys are married before the age of 18The percentage is even higher in rural areas. Currently, there are approximately 800,000 married girls in Sierra Leone, half of whom are married before the age of 15.
Child marriage has led to high teenage pregnancy rates in Sierra Leone and, unfortunately, complications from pregnancy have become the leading cause of death among girls aged 15 to 19 years.
The new law prohibits all forms of child marriage and cohabitation with children, including aiding and abetting, protects the best interests of the child and ensures that affected girls have access to counselling and protection. The law amends existing legislation, including the Child Rights Act and the Registration of Customary Marriages Act, to harmonize the legal framework for marriage and break the cycle of early marriage and its devastating consequences.
The law also draws on Sierra Leone Working to protect young girls from marriage and remove barriers to girls’ educationThe new education law passed in 2023 guarantees that children receive 13 years of free education, including one year of preschool education and secondary education.
the first lady “Don’t Touch Our Girls” Campaign Played an important role in combating child marriage.
This legislation is a milestone in Sierra Leone’s progress towards gender equality and child protection. It also points the way forward for other African countries, such as Tanzania and Zambia, Repeal laws that allow child marriage and ensure girls are able to complete primary and secondary education.
Now, the Sierra Leone government should raise awareness about the new law and the harmful effects of child marriage, especially in rural areas. The government should also address other widespread harmful practices. Related to child marriageIt should work with local communities, non-governmental organizations and international organizations to publicize the harms of child marriage and provide support services for married children and those at risk of child marriage.
The government also needs to remain committed to keeping girls in school while developing sustainable economic opportunities and social programs that empower girls and their families.
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