During the enactment of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, Speaker of Sierra Leone’s Sixth Parliament, Rt. Hon. Segepoh Solomon Thomas made a nationalistic call for citizens to put the Prohibition of the Child Marriage Act 2024 into practicality.
Hon. Thomas said: “As we debate this Bill, I will take a look at our young girls. I begin to imagine subjecting such little children into early marriage. Let us exercise this kind of mental picture then we will know exactly what we are dealing with today. It is happening all over Sierra Leone where these little girls have no choice.
“They had no capacity to say no. And some of them go through the pains of early marriage missing a whole lot of their childhood. Some of them are even wedded to old people. Old enough to be their grandfathers. Let us just imagine. Because as we debate this bill relating to children generally, let us just imagine our children in such a picture.
“The kind of love we lavish on our girls. Let us just imagine that those girls are our children subjected to such ordeals. That is the kind of mental picture I want Honourable Members of Parliament to have even as we go through debate of this particular bill. Honourable Members, the question is, that the bill entitled: ‘The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024’, be read the second time”.
He pledged his full support, highlighting the Bill’s importance in safeguarding girls’ rights and ensuring their access to education, healthcare, and a brighter future.
Sierra Leone’s Parliament unanimously passed the Bill 2024, a crucial piece of legislation championed by First Lady Dr. Fatima Maada Bio. This private member’s bill outlaws child marriage, a harmful practice that has long plagued the nation.
This Bill seeks to criminalise the act of marrying or entering into a union with a child under the age of 18 years. It includes provisions for enforcing penalties on offenders, protecting victims’ rights, and ensuring access to education and support services for young girls affected by early child marriage.
“We have the responsibility to protect our children from early marriage,” declared Her Excellency Dr. Fatima Maada Bio as she expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the parliamentarians.
“She said: “Your dedication to this cause, despite the inevitable political differences that arise, is a testament to your shared belief in the importance of the early child marriage bill. This bill represents a significant step forward in protecting the rights of our next generation and a testament to the power of collaboration and shared purpose.”
Dr. Fatima Maada Bio extended her sincere appreciation to civil society organizations, the Police Wives Association, Save the Children, the Ministry of Education, and the He-For-She movement for their vital role in advocating for this legislation. She also acknowledged the support of her husband, President Julius Maada Bio, whose commitment to gender equality and support for this bill has been instrumental in driving this important initiative forward.
Honourable Mariama Munia Zombo, presenting the Bill, emphasised that Sierra Leone ranks as the 19th highest country in the world for early child marriage prevalence. This statistic highlights the urgent need for interventions to protect young girls from the negative consequences of early marriage, including early pregnancies, complications during childbirth, and curtailed education and opportunities.
The Bill also aims to fill legal loopholes by prohibiting marriage before age 18 for both boys and girls without exceptions. It addresses enforcement challenges by establishing penalties for violations and calling upon community leaders to actively support its implementation. By strengthening existing laws and enhancing their enforcement, the bill seeks to create a more protective environment for children, particularly girls.
Hon. Abdul Kargbo, the opposition leader in Parliament, urged his fellow parliamentarians to embrace the bill wholeheartedly and work tirelessly to popularize it among the wider community. He emphasized the need for a collective effort to ensure the bill’s effective implementation and the protection of girls’ rights at all levels of society.
The debate showcased the collective will of parliamentarians to prioritise the well-being of girls and create a society where they can thrive and reach their full potential. The proposed legislation promises to empower girls through education and equal opportunities, reduce adolescent pregnancies, and contribute to better health outcomes. Ultimately, this bill represents a step towards gender equality and ensuring a safe environment for all children.
