Close Menu

    Subscribe to Updates

    Join Over 1.6k avid readers in exploring a world of
    African insights and Global perspectives

    What's Hot

    What is Freethinking?

    June 19, 2025

    The New Pan-Africanism: A Ray of Hope in Burkina Faso

    June 17, 2025

    The African Giant Is Feverish

    June 16, 2025
    TAHJTAHJ
    • Articles
    • Quotes
    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    TAHJTAHJ
    Home»Articles»Sierra Leone Takes a Stand Against Child Marriage

    Sierra Leone Takes a Stand Against Child Marriage

    Amina KamaraBy Amina KamaraAugust 3, 2024
    Share Facebook Twitter Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link
    Share
    Facebook Twitter Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link

    On July 2, 2024, Sierra Leone made a historic stride in the fight for children’s rights by passing the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024. This landmark legislation unequivocally bans marriage for individuals under 18, without exceptions, and imposes severe penalties, including up to 15 years imprisonment for violators.

    The bill addresses significant legal loopholes previously found in the Child Rights Act 2007 and the Customary Marriage and Divorce Act 2009. The latter allowed underage marriages with parental consent, undermining protections for children. By harmonizing these laws, the new act ensures a consistent minimum marriage age and strengthens the legal framework to protect children from early and forced marriages.

    Advocacy and public support

    This legislative change is the culmination of extensive advocacy and public campaigns, notably the First Lady’s “Hands Off Our Girls” initiative, which highlighted the severe consequences of child marriage, including early pregnancies, educational disruption, and health complications. With one-third of girls in Sierra Leone married before 18 and many before 15, the need for robust legal protection was critical.

    Moreover, the act emphasizes the role of community leaders and public awareness in enforcing the law and protecting children’s rights. It also provides for education and support services for affected girls, aiming to break the cycle of poverty and lack of education that often leads to child marriage.

    Conclusion

    This development marks a significant step towards gender equality and child protection in Sierra Leone, setting an example for other nations in West and Central Africa to follow.

    As the country moves forward, continuous efforts will be needed to raise awareness and ensure the law’s effective implementation, especially in rural areas where child marriage rates are highest.

    Share. Facebook Twitter Telegram WhatsApp Copy Link
    Previous ArticleDemocracy in Tanzania
    Next Article Protecting Children’s Rights in South Africa

    Related Posts

    What is Freethinking?

    June 19, 2025

    The New Pan-Africanism: A Ray of Hope in Burkina Faso

    June 17, 2025

    The African Giant Is Feverish

    June 16, 2025
    Latest Articles

    What is Freethinking?

    SkepticJune 19, 2025

    The New Pan-Africanism: A Ray of Hope in Burkina Faso

    Godfrey SelbarJune 17, 2025

    The African Giant Is Feverish

    Neque Alcino António João FranciscoJune 16, 2025

    Subscribe to Updates

    Join Over 10k avid readers in exploring a world of African insights and Global perspectives

    Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp Telegram
    © 2025. All Rights Reserved. The African Humanist Journal is published by Humanist Media Africa

    Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.