Leaving no stone unturn… President Bio Sends Warning

His Excellency President Julius Maada Bio signed into law another progressive legislation: the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, which clearly sends a strong message to the general public that the government will not leave any stone unturn in the fight against child marriage in the country.

The law criminalizes the act of marrying or entering into a union with a child under the age of 18 years and includes provisions for enforcing penalties on offenders, protecting victims’ rights, and ensuring access to education and support services for young girls affected by early child marriage. It also provides stringent penalties for persons who attend child marriage ceremonies and puts the burden of proof on them, to discourage implicit endorsement of underage weddings.

With the passing of this legislation, the First Lady of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, has reinforced her reputation as a remarkable leader and advocate for girls’ empowerment in the small West African country.

The landmark legislation marks a significant milestone in Sierra Leone’s journey towards ensuring the rights and well-being of our girls.

The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 stands as a testament to the First Lady’s unwavering commitment to protecting the most vulnerable among us. By raising the legal age of marriage to 18 and above, this law safeguards girls from the dangers and injustices of early and forced marriages. It empowers them to pursue their education, dreams, and aspirations, free from the clutches of reprehensible traditions and culture as well as the constraints of premature wedlock.

This legislation is not just a protective measure; it is a catalyst for profound societal change. When girls are allowed to grow and develop in a safe and nurturing environment, they contribute significantly to the socio-economic development of our country. Educated and empowered women are the backbone of any progressive society. They bring innovation, resilience, and compassion to every field they enter, from healthcare and education to business, governance, arts and entertainment, media, the security sector, and the creatives.

The First Lady’s visionary leadership in this cause is transforming the future of Sierra Leone. By championing the enactment of this critical legislation through a private member’s bill (with support from civil society organizations, the Police Wives Association, Save the Children Sierra Leone, the Ministry of Education, and the HeForShe movement), she has illuminated a path towards gender equality, enhanced educational opportunities, and a brighter future for all our children. Her efforts should inspire us to strive for a society where every girl child can live free from fear, with the freedom to dream, learn, and achieve her full potential.

Furthermore, the passing of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 represents a pivotal moment for Sierra Leone, especially for its young girls and the overall development of the country. This landmark legislation has far-reaching implications not only for girls but for the development of the country.

For girls, it firstly offers protection for them from Early Marriage. The Act ensures that girls are legally protected from being forced into marriage at a younger age. This safeguard allows them to enjoy their childhood without the pressures and responsibilities of marriage.

Secondly, it offers enhanced educational opportunities for girls. With the prohibition of child marriage, girls now have the opportunity to complete their education. Education is a powerful tool that opens doors to better career prospects, financial independence, and personal growth. It is crystal clear that no nation will develop without women’s empowerment.

Thirdly, it means improved health and well-being for girls. Early marriages often lead to early pregnancies and other related health complications, which pose significant risks to young girls. The Act helps reduce these risks, ensuring that girls can grow and develop in a healthy environment.

Fourthly, it promotes empowerment for girls. By delaying marriage, girls gain the time and opportunity to mature, make informed decisions about their lives, and assert their rights. This empowerment is crucial for building their confidence, self-worth, dignity, and pride.

For the development of Sierra Leone, this law promotes economic growth through the education and empowerment of women. By allowing girls to complete their education and enter the workforce as women, Sierra Leone can harness a larger, more skilled labor force, driving economic growth and development. Educated and empowered women will contribute significantly to the country’s economy.

It also promotes social progress. The Act is a step towards achieving gender equality in Sierra Leone. When girls are educated and empowered, they can challenge societal norms that perpetuate discrimination and inequality against them, and also foster a more inclusive society.

The law will also translate into public health improvements for Sierra Leone. Reducing child marriages also means reducing the number of early pregnancies, which often results in higher maternal and infant mortality rates. Healthier mothers and children lead to a healthier population overall.

By passing this law Sierra Leone has strengthened its legal framework for the protection of the rights and welfare of girls. It sets a precedent for further legislative actions aimed at safeguarding vulnerable populations.

Our global standing as a country is also strengthened by this law. By taking a strong stand against child marriage, Sierra Leone positions itself as a leader in human rights advocacy on the international stage. This can attract positive attention, support, and partnerships from global organizations dedicated to similar causes.

Moreover, this legislation is in fulfillment of the Maputo Protocol on the Rights of Women in Africa.