- Child marriage ban welcomed in Sierra Leone
- The new law imposes severe penalties on anyone involved in marrying a girl under 18
- Minimum of 15 years in jail, a fine of about $4,000 (£3,200), or both
- Under the new law, those facing punishment include the groom, the parents or guardians, and even wedding attendees
- Rights activists have praised the law as a landmark achievement
Child marriage ban welcomed in Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone has introduced a new law banning child marriage, celebrated at a ceremony in the capital, Freetown. The event, organised by First Lady Fatima Bio, featured President Julius Maada Bio signing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act into law, witnessed by dignitaries including first ladies from Cape Verde and Namibia.
The new law imposes severe penalties on anyone involved in marrying a girl under 18, with a minimum of 15 years in jail, a fine of about $4,000 (£3,200), or both. This is a significant change in a patriarchal society where forced child marriages are common.
The health ministry reports that one-third of girls in Sierra Leone are married before 18, contributing to the country’s high maternal death rate. Under the new law, those facing punishment include the groom, the parents or guardians, and even wedding attendees.
Rights activists have praised the law as a landmark achievement. The US Bureau of African Affairs also welcomed it, stating that the law protects girls and promotes human rights.
At the #WeAreEqual campaign launch today at the Freetown Conference Centre, I signed the Prohibiting Child Marriage Bill into law.
— President Julius Maada Bio (@PresidentBio) July 2, 2024
Fatima @FirstLadyBio has always championed women's and girls' rights issues with a very special passion. Together, we want to build an empowered… pic.twitter.com/hv6IDWR76k