Last week, a wave of celebration swept through Sierra Leone. Women in Freetown and young girls across the West African nation rejoiced at the country’s decision to ban child marriage.
The law, known as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, aims to shield girls from a harmful practice that has violated their rights and shattered their dreams. This soon-to-be law, once signed by President Julius Maada Bio, makes marriage for anyone under 18 a criminal offense.
The law also prescribes penalties. Anyone who presides over a marriage involving a minor or attends such a ceremony faces up to 15 years in jail, a fine of Le. 50,000 (about $400), or both.
According to Human Rights Watch, child marriage is a serious problem in Sierra Leone, robbing thousands of young girls of their aspirations. The country has an estimated 800,000 child brides, with 400,000 married off before the age of 15.
A 2018 UNDP report ranked Sierra Leone among the countries with the lowest levels of gender equality. The report states that in the country, women experience “some of the worst forms of Gender Based Violence in rural and urban communities.” It further states that “structural gaps and systemic barriers have worsened the conditions and position of women and girls, deepening the gender gap and poverty in the country.”
However, campaigners who championed the bill view it as a positive step. “The passing of this bill represents a vital step forward in addressing child, early, and forced marriages in Sierra Leone,” said Fatou Gueye Ndir, Senior Regional Engagement and Advocacy Officer of Girls Not Brides, a non-profit dedicated to expanding opportunities for girls across Africa. Gueye added, “Providing support services to affected girls and ensuring access to education are crucial to protect girls and prevent negative impacts from criminalization. This bill, along with support services, will empower girls to live happily, safely, and reach their full potential.”
The “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, spearheaded by the president’s wife, Madam Fatima Bio, is also credited with playing a key role in advocating for the bill. At a fundraising dinner in 2021, Madam Bio stated her husband’s government is committed to “giving voice to justice for victims of sexual violence.”
Human Rights Watch hails the new law as a milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards gender equality and child protection. It also sets a pathway forward for other African nations, such as Tanzania and Zambia, to revoke laws that permit child marriage, and ensure girls can complete primary and secondary education.
“Now, Sierra Leone’s government should raise awareness, particularly in rural areas, about the new law and the harmful effects of child marriage.” The organization wrote on its website. “The government should also address other prevalent harmful practices linked to child marriage, such as female genital mutilation. It should collaborate with local communities, nongovernmental groups, and international organizations to publicly campaign about the harms associated with child marriage, while also providing support services for married children and children at risk of child marriage,” HRW added.
Last week, Sierra Leone celebrated the introduction of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, which criminalizes marriage for anyone under the age of 18. The law includes penalties such as up to 15 years of imprisonment and fines for those involved in child marriages. This act seeks to protect young girls from losing their rights and being subjected to harmful practices, as evidenced by the country’s alarming statistics of child brides.
Human Rights Watch and other advocacy groups have recognized the significance of this legal measure in advancing gender equality and child protection in Sierra Leone. The bill received strong support from campaigns like "Hands Off Our Girls," led by the First Lady, Fatima Bio. The new law also stands as a model for other African nations to combat child marriage and promote education for girls.
Despite this progress, Human Rights Watch emphasizes the need for the government to amplify awareness about the law, especially in rural areas, and address other harmful practices related to child marriage. Collaborative efforts with local communities and international organizations are crucial to effectively implement the law and support affected girls.
