President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone has signed a new law banning marriage for children under the age of 18 and imposing penalties on adult spouses. The move was applauded by activists who have long fought against the widespread practice of child marriage in the country. The legislation not only penalizes those who marry children but also those who facilitate such marriages.
With about 800,000 girls under 18 married in Sierra Leone, this legislation is a significant step towards protecting vulnerable girls from the harmful effects of child marriage. The law allows those married as children to seek financial compensation and petition for an annulment.
Child marriage can have detrimental effects on girls, including dropping out of school and experiencing early pregnancies that can result in long-term health issues. Sierra Leone also faces challenges with female genital cutting, which adds to the health risks for young brides.
The new law in Sierra Leone aims to promote girls’ rights by keeping them in school and protecting them from harmful practices. President Bio and his wife have been advocates for the ban on child marriage and have allocated a significant portion of the national budget to education.
However, implementing this law effectively will require building trust with communities, addressing poverty, and educating the public on sexual and reproductive health. Many girls and women will still face opposition from their families and communities if they refuse a marriage or seek to end one. Despite the challenges, the ban on child marriage in Sierra Leone is a crucial step towards protecting the rights and well-being of young girls in the country.
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