The Government of Sierra Leone, through the Ministry of Social Welfare, in collaboration with the Sierra Leone Police (Family Support Unit), held a high-level stakeholders’ meeting to roll out the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024. The event, which took place at the Police Wives Hall in Kingtom, yesterday also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Ministry and the Family Support Unit (FSU).
In her opening remarks, the chairperson underscored the government’s unwavering and dedicated support in the fight to end child marriage, emphasizing the critical role developmental partners play in this endeavor. She noted that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act is a major step forward, signaling the government’s unwavering dedication to protecting vulnerable children and ensuring that their rights are upheld.
Barrister Mitchell Conteh, who provided an overview of the Act, explained its legal implications for those involved in child marriages, highlighting the need for collective
action. He stressed, “Child marriage is not just a legal issue; it’s a societal one, and we all must fight against it. Your contribution is significant in this collective action.”
Representing the Ministry of Social Welfare, Madam Mariau Bangura, the Professional Head, detailed the role of social workers in the campaign against child marriage. She emphasized that social workers are prepared to engage communities through awareness campaigns, dialogue, and media channels such as radio programs. “Our mission is to educate families about the harmful effects of child marriage, and we are ready to work at the grassroots level to achieve this,” she said.
The Inspector General of Police, Mr. Williams Sallu, thanked the Ministry of Social Welfare for its robust support in addressing this issue. He expressed the Sierra Leone Police’s commitment to collaborating with the Ministry to end child marriage while calling on development partners to provide financial support for these efforts. “We are working hand-in-hand wit
h the Ministry, but the fight against child marriage requires sustained financial backing to make lasting change,” he remarked.
Although First Lady Fatima Bio was initially scheduled to deliver the keynote address, Minister of Social Welfare Madam Melrose Karminty stepped in to assure stakeholders of the Ministry’s ongoing commitment.
She emphasized that the Ministry’s staff comprises well-trained professionals who work closely with children and families to resolve the social issues that perpetuate harmful practices like child marriage. “Our girls deserve a future free from oppression, and we must stand together to protect their rights,” she declared.
The meeting concluded with a renewed call for unity in the fight against child marriage. Minister Karminty urged all stakeholders to empower young girls, stating, “Our girls have the potential to shape their futures, and with collective action, we can ensure they thrive.”
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency