AYV News, June 6, 2024
Hon. Mariama Munia Zombo
Sierra Leone’s Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Solomon Segepoh Thomas has granted the notice, ‘Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024’ and the Bill has been submitted to the Acting Clerk of Parliament. The next steps will be the First, Second and Third Readings, Committee Review, Submission of the Final Draft for Enactment and the Assent by His Excellency, the President.
Honorable Mariama Munia Zombo representing Pujehun district earlier yesterday moved the Motion in Parliament for enactment of the Private Member’s Bill.
The Bill Prohibits Child Marriage, Prohibits Cohabitation with a Child, Annuls Child Marriage, Compensates Victims of Child Marriage, Protects Victims of Child Marriage and Harmonises and Amends Age, Penalty and other loopholes in other laws regarding Child Marriage.
Hon. Zombo said: “As we move forward, I urge all citizens, organizations, and policymakers to join us in this vital movement. Together, we can create an environment where every girl can thrive, learn, and grow without the threat of early marriage. Let us stand united in our resolve to protect our children and ensure that they”.
She extended warm greetings in the spirit of women’s and girls’ empowerment. Tuesday, June 4, 2024, marks a historic moment as she presented a Notice of Motion and received approval from the Speaker of Parliament to enact a Private Member’s Bill Entitled the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024.
In a society striving for progress and equality, child marriage remains a significant barrier to the empowerment of women and girls. Recognizing the urgent need to address this issue, Hon. Zombo has introduced this groundbreaking Bill, which encompasses comprehensive measures designed to eradicate child marriage and safeguard the rights and futures of our young citizens.
Moving the Motion, Hon. Zombo said: “The new Private Members’ Bill is entitled: ‘The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024. Our work for women’s and girls’ equality and empowerment continues. Let us support the private members’ Bill. The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, when enacted into law, will cement our years of fight to protect girls and actualise the empowerment/equality goal of the president and first lady’s flagship programme ‘Hands Off our Girls’. The empowerment of women and girls lies in our actions. Support the Bill and change the lives of adolescent girls in Sierra Leone.”
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 is a multi-faceted approach to combating child marriage, incorporating several crucial elements:
⦁ Prohibits Child Marriage: The Bill unequivocally outlaws child marriage, establishing a clear legal framework to prevent this harmful practice.
⦁ Prohibits Cohabitation with a Child: It further prohibits cohabitation with a child, recognizing that living arrangements akin to marriage can also jeopardize a child’s well-being and future.
⦁ Annuls Child Marriage: Any child marriage that occurs will be rendered null and void, ensuring that such unions have no legal standing.
⦁ Compensates Victims of Child Marriage: The Bill mandates compensation for victims of child marriage, providing much-needed support and redress for those affected.
⦁ Protects Victims of Child Marriage: It introduces robust protections for victims, ensuring their safety and facilitating their reintegration into society.
⦁ Harmonises and Amends Related Laws: The Bill addresses inconsistencies and loopholes in existing legislation, harmonizing and amending age, penalty, and other relevant provisions to strengthen the legal framework against child marriage.
Addressing Legal Gaps: Amending and Repealing Existing Laws
To create a cohesive and comprehensive legal stance against child marriage, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 references and affects several existing laws through repeals and replacement of sections, including:
⦁ The Child Rights Act 2007: Enhancing provisions to better protect children from early and forced marriages.
⦁ The Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act 2009: Updating regulations to align with the prohibition of child marriage.
⦁ The Civil Marriage Act, Cap97 1960: Amending clauses to ensure civil marriages comply with the new legal age requirements.
⦁ The Christian Marriage Act, Cap95 1960: Revising stipulations to prevent child marriages within Christian communities.
⦁ The Muslim Marriage Act, Cap96 1960: Modifying rules to eliminate child marriages within Muslim communities.
A Collective Effort for a Brighter Future
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 represents a significant step forward in our ongoing battle to protect children’s rights and ensure a brighter future for girls. It is a testament to their collective commitment to ending this harmful practice and empowering young girls to pursue their dreams and potential.
This legislative milestone is not just about enacting a law; it is about fostering a cultural shift, raising awareness, and galvanizing action across all sectors of society. The journey ahead will require unwavering dedication, collaboration, and the active participation of communities, leaders, and stakeholders.
Hon. Mariama Munia Zombo called on all saying: “As we move forward, I urge all citizens, organisations, and policymakers to join us in this vital movement. Together, we can create an environment where every girl can thrive, learn, and grow without the threat of early marriage. Let us stand united in our resolve to protect our children and ensure that they have the opportunity to lead fulfilling, empowered lives.
“In the spirit of women’s and girls’ empowerment, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all who have supported this initiative. Let us continue to work together towards a future where child marriage is a relic of the past, and every child can enjoy their rights, free from fear and oppression.”
Hon. Zombo is the Public Relations Officer for the Parliamentary Female Caucus, and a member of the following Committees: Gender and Children’s Affairs Committee and Environment and Climate change committee Human Rights Committee.
She is the Deputy Chairperson for the Environment and Climate change committee in the 6th Parliament and she has strong political and family roots in Barri, Peje, Kpanga, Kabonde, Sowa, Soro Gbema and Makpele chiefdoms in Pujehun district.
She is a double Masters holder (Master of Public Health, MPH., Master of Science, MSc., and Bachelor of Science, BSc.) and a member of the SLPP Women’s Council, an active Party Patron/Supporter, Development Consultant and Business Entrepreneur (CEO of Muniazee Creations).
She is a recognised as a National Debater, writer and Gender Equality Advocate who recently represented the SLPP in a National Debate on the ‘The role of Political Parties in implementing the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) Act, 2022’.
Prior to her political life, Hon. Mariama Munia Zombo had worked extensively in Strategic Programming, Operations, Gender-responsive Policy and Legislation Development, Grants Management and Community Development for over 28 years.
