A Landmark Decision for Girls’ Rights
What’s happening?
Sierra Leone has taken a groundbreaking step towards protecting girls’ rights by unanimously banning child marriage. The landmark decision, passed by parliament on July 28, 2022, makes it illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to marry.
Why is this important?
Child marriage is a serious human rights violation that has devastating consequences for girls. It perpetuates gender inequality, denies girls their education and opportunities, and increases their risk of poverty, violence, and poor health.
What does the ban entail?
The new law explicitly prohibits child marriage and sets the minimum age of marriage at 18 years for both boys and girls. It imposes heavy penalties on those who violate the law, including fines and imprisonment for up to 10 years.
What are the expected outcomes?
The ban on child marriage is expected to have a significant impact on girls’ lives in Sierra Leone. It is estimated that it will prevent around 20,000 girls from marrying before the age of 18 by 2030.
Challenges and next steps
While the ban is a major victory, there are still challenges to overcome. Some cultural and religious practices support child marriage, and there will be a need for ongoing education and awareness campaigns to ensure its full implementation.
The government and civil society organizations must work together to create a support system for girls who are affected by child marriage and to empower girls to make their own decisions about their future.
Conclusion
Sierra Leone’s ban on child marriage is a monumental step towards creating a more just and equitable society for girls. It sends a clear message that child marriage will not be tolerated and that girls have the right to live free from this harmful practice.
The government, civil society organizations, and the international community must continue to work together to ensure that every girl in Sierra Leone has the opportunity to reach her full potential.
Kind regards
E. Thompson
