In a landmark move to protect the rights of young girls, Sierra Leone has passed a new bill aimed at eradicating child marriage in the country.
The legislation, which was approved by the Sierra Leonean Parliament, sets a minimum age of 18 for marriage and introduces stringent penalties for those who violate the law.
The passage of the bill has been hailed as a significant victory by human rights organizations and advocates who have long campaigned against child marriage.
According to recent statistics, a substantial number of girls in Sierra Leone are married before the age of 18, often leading to adverse consequences on their health, education, and overall well-being.
The new law also includes provisions for comprehensive education and awareness programs to change societal attitudes towards child marriage.
It aims to empower communities by providing them with the necessary knowledge and resources to protect their children from early and forced marriages.
President Julius Maada Bio expressed his commitment to ensuring the effective implementation of the law, emphasizing that the future of Sierra Leone lies in the hands of its young people.
“By safeguarding our children’s rights, we are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable society,” President Bio stated.
Civil society groups have applauded the government’s efforts, noting that the enforcement of the law will be crucial in achieving its objectives.
They have called for continued collaboration between government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and local communities to monitor and support the eradication of child marriage.
The bill’s passage is also seen as a step forward in Sierra Leone’s broader efforts to improve gender equality and women’s rights.
It aligns with international commitments, including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aim to end child marriage by 2030.
As Sierra Leone moves forward with this new legislation, the hope is that it will serve as a catalyst for positive change, inspiring other countries in the region to take similar steps to protect the rights of young girls and ensure their opportunities for a brighter future.
