Sierra Leone Enforces Ban on Child Marriage with Minimum 15-Year Jail Term or Fine Exceeding $2,000 for Offenders

In a groundbreaking move, Sierra Leone President Julius Maada Bio has signed into law a bill criminalizing child marriage, a practice that has plagued the country for far too long. The new law, approved by parliament last month, prohibits the marriage of girls under 18 and imposes harsh penalties on offenders, including a minimum 15-year jail term or a hefty fine of over $2,000.

During a ceremony organized by feminist groups and West African first ladies in the capital Freetown, President Bio declared, "Freedom has come for our women." He hailed the law as a "beacon of hope in Africa where women have boundless opportunities to be and determine their own future and inspire the world." 

The law not only bans child marriage but also prohibits men from living with underage girls and provides a compensation package for those who are married or fall pregnant before turning 18. This move is a significant step forward in the fight against child marriage, which has devastating consequences for young girls.

Why it Matters : Child marriage is a pervasive problem in Sierra Leone, where an estimated 800,000 girls were married before the age of 18 in 2017, including 400,000 who were married before the age of 15, according to UNICEF.  Child brides often suffer lifelong disadvantages, including being excluded from future educational and economic opportunities. By banning child marriage, Sierra Leone is taking a crucial step towards ensuring that its girls have the chance to reach their full potential.

The rate of child marriage has been slowly declining over the past few decades, with 30 percent of girls married before their 18th birthday in 2017, down from 37 percent 25 years earlier. However, much work remains to be done to eradicate this harmful practice.

Save the Children, an NGO that has been at the forefront of the fight against child marriage, has hailed the new law as "historic." The organization's director, Patrick Analo, emphasized that child brides are often denied their basic rights and are more likely to experience domestic violence, early pregnancy, and maternal mortality.

As Sierra Leone celebrates this major victory, it is essential to recognize that the fight against child marriage is far from over. The government must now work to ensure that the law is enforced effectively and that support services are provided to girls who have been affected by child marriage.

Key Takeaways:

• Sierra Leone introduces law banning child marriage, imposing harsh penalties like 15-year jail terms or hefty fines.
• The law targets a practice affecting around 800,000 girls, preventing them from education and economic opportunities.
• Despite gradual decline, child marriage persists as a significant challenge.
• New law hailed as a beacon of hope for women's empowerment in Africa.
• It marks a crucial step in ensuring girls can achieve their full potential.