Sierra Leone has officially banned child marriage in an effort to protect girls in the country, where around a third of them are married before they reach the age of 18. The new law, signed by President Julius Maada Bio, imposes harsh penalties on those who marry underage girls, including at least 15 years in prison and a fine of $4,000 for men, as well as fines for parents and others involved in the ceremony. The U.S. Bureau of African Affairs praised the move as a significant step towards promoting human rights.
Child marriage is widespread in West and Central Africa, with nearly 60 million child brides in the region according to UNICEF. The passing of this law in Sierra Leone is seen as a positive development that could encourage other countries in the region, such as Tanzania and Zambia, to also ban the practice.
The new legislation has been welcomed by advocates who hope it will help to reduce the maternal death rate in Sierra Leone, as underage girls face physical risks from pregnancy. A former child bride shared her experience of being forced into marriage at 14 and the possibility of seeking an annulment under the new law. Human Rights Watch researcher Betty Kabari believes that the law will help to break the cycle of early marriage and its consequences.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com