Sierra Leone has introduced a new law prohibiting child marriage, marked by a grand ceremony organized by First Lady Fatima Bio in Freetown.
The event was attended by notable guests, including the first ladies of Cape Verde and Namibia, who witnessed President Julius Maada Bio sign the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act into law.
Under the new legislation, anyone involved in marrying off a girl under 18 will face at least 15 years in prison, a fine of approximately $4,000 (£3,200), or both. University student Khadijatu Barrie, whose sister was married at 14, expressed relief at the new law but wished it had been enacted sooner to protect her sister and others.
Sierra Leone’s patriarchal society often sees fathers forcibly marrying off their daughters. Ms. Barrie, who faced this threat at age 10, fled her home and found support from teachers and a UN children’s agency worker who helped her with education and accommodation. She emphasized the importance of widespread awareness about the new law, particularly in rural areas, to ensure its effectiveness.
The Ministry of Health estimates that a third of girls in Sierra Leone marry before 18, contributing to the country’s high maternal death rate. The new law holds accountable not only the groom and the parents or guardians of the child bride but also those who attend the wedding.
First Lady Fatima Bio, a vocal advocate against sexual abuse since her husband assumed office six years ago, aimed to make the bill signing a significant event. The legislation, although passed by MPs weeks ago, had not garnered much local attention until the ceremony.
During the event, President Bio highlighted his personal commitment to empowering women and girls, sharing his own upbringing by his mother and elder sister after losing his father. His eight-year-old daughter was present as he signed the bill. President Bio acknowledged his wife’s dedication to women’s rights and expressed his belief that Sierra Leone’s future is female.
Rights activists praised the law as a landmark achievement. The US Bureau of African Affairs lauded the bill on their social media, calling it a “significant milestone” that not only protects girls but also promotes comprehensive human rights protections.