In a landmark move, President Julius Maada Bio has signed into law a bill criminalizing child marriage in Sierra Leone.
The new law prohibits the marriage of girls under 18 years, offering vital protection to a third of girls who previously married before reaching 18.
With an estimated 800,000 child brides, including half married before 15, Sierra Leone has one of the highest rates of child marriage globally, according to UNICEF. The law imposes harsh penalties on offenders, including up to 15 years imprisonment, a $4,000 fine, or both. Witnesses to underage marriage will also face jail or fines.
President Bio expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “I have always believed that the future of Sierra Leone is female. This and future generations of girls must thrive in Sierra Leone in which they’re protected, equal, and empowered.”
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024, passed by Parliament on June 21, ensures access to education and support services for young girls, a crucial provision in a country where poverty often forces girls of school age to drop out.
This development marks a significant step forward for Sierra Leone, a West African nation of approximately nine million people, with its capital in Freetown. The new law promises a brighter future for Sierra Leone’s girls, protecting them from exploitation and ensuring
