Sierra Leone has enacted a new law prohibiting child marriage, marked by a celebratory ceremony in the capital, Freetown, organized by First Lady Fatima Bio. The event saw participation from distinguished 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.
The new legislation mandates that anyone involved in the marriage of a girl under 18 will face a minimum of 15 years in prison or a fine of approximately $4,000 (£3,200), or both. This significant move aims to protect young girls and prevent early marriages that have been prevalent in the country.
Khadijatu Barrie, a university student whose sister was married off at 14, expressed her relief at the new law but lamented its late arrival. “I really wish it had happened earlier. I could have at least saved my sister and my friends and other neighbors,” said the 26-year-old gender studies undergraduate.
Sierra Leone’s patriarchal society often sees fathers forcing their daughters into marriage. Ms. Barrie herself faced this threat at the age of 10 but managed to escape after her father disowned her. With the help of supportive teachers and a UN children’s agency worker, she continued her education and found accommodation. However, she noted that it would be challenging for those in rural areas to break away from tradition, emphasizing the need for widespread awareness of the new law.
The ministry of health reports that a third of girls in Sierra Leone marry before turning 18, contributing to the country’s high maternal death rates, among the highest in the world. The new law targets not only the groom but also the parents or guardians of the child bride and even those who attend the wedding.
First Lady Fatima Bio, a fervent campaigner against sexual abuse since her husband assumed the presidency six years ago, ensured the bill’s signing was a grand affair. Despite the legislation passing in parliament a few weeks ago, it had not received significant local media attention until the ceremony.
President Bio, speaking at the event, highlighted his personal motivation and commitment to empowering women and girls, rooted in his own life experiences. Raised by his mother and elder sister after losing his father at an early age, Bio emphasized the importance of female empowerment in his vision for Sierra Leone’s future. His eight-year-old daughter was present as he signed the bill, underscoring his dedication to the cause.
President Bio also acknowledged his wife’s dedication to championing women’s rights: “Together, we want to build an empowered Sierra Leone where women are given an even platform to reach their full potential. I have always believed that the future of Sierra Leone is female.”
The new law has been positively received by rights activists, who regard it as a significant milestone. The US Bureau of African Affairs, in a statement on their X page, praised the legislation, noting that it not only protects girls but also promotes robust human rights protections.