Sierra Leone makes history with passage of bill criminalizing child marriage

By Dan Eboh

Sierra Leone’s parliament has made history by passing a bill criminalizing child marriage.

The passage of the bill is a huge win for activists who have been campaigning for years to have child marriage outlawed in the country.

Sierria Leone according to UNICEF has 40 percent of girls married off before they are 18.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024 will criminalise the act of marrying or entering into a union with a child under the age of 18. The bill includes provisions for enforcing penalties, protecting children’s rights and ensuring access to education and support services for young girls affected by child marriage.

First Lady of Sierra Leone Fatima Maada Bio after the passage of the bill expressed her support of the move, and applauded members of parliament for the work done.

“Your dedication to this cause, despite the inevitable political differences that arise, is a testament to your shared belief in the importance of the early child marriage bill. This bill represents a significant step forward in protecting the rights of our next generation and a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose,” she said in a statement.

The bill which prescribes up to 15 years jail term or a substantial fine for perpetrators now needs to be signed into law by President Julius Maada Bio.