Sierra Leone has introduced a landmark law banning child marriage, marked by a ceremonial event in Freetown organized by First Lady Fatima Bio. President Julius Maada Bio signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act into law at the ceremony, attended by dignitaries including first ladies from Cape Verde and Namibia.
Under the new legislation, anyone involved in marrying a girl under 18 faces a minimum of 15 years in jail, a fine of approximately $4,000 (£3,200), or both. The law aims to combat a prevalent practice in Sierra Leone, where patriarchal norms often lead to girls being forcibly married off by their families.
Khadijatu Barrie, a 26-year-old university student studying gender studies, welcomed the law, reflecting on her own experience where her sister was married off at 14. "I wish it had happened earlier. I could have saved my sister and others," she told the BBC. Khadijatu herself resisted child marriage at the age of 10 and fled her family home, finding support from teachers and UN agency workers.
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In Sierra Leone, societal norms in rural areas often perpetuate child marriage despite its risks, including high maternal mortality rates. The Ministry of Health estimates that one-third of girls are married before they turn 18, contributing significantly to maternal deaths in the country.
First Lady Fatima Bio, a prominent advocate against sexual abuse, emphasized the significance of the bill's signing. She highlighted the need for widespread awareness and implementation of the law across communities to ensure its effectiveness in protecting girls' rights.
President Bio underscored his personal commitment to gender equality, citing his upbringing by strong female figures. He pledged to empower women and create equal opportunities in Sierra Leone, stating, "I have always believed that the future of Sierra Leone is female."
Rights activists and international bodies hailed the new law as a crucial step forward for human rights in Sierra Leone. The United States Bureau of African Affairs praised it as a milestone that not only protects girls but also promotes broader human rights protections in the country.
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