Stakeholders from various ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) gathered at the Atlantic Hotel in Freetown today for a crucial engagement meeting to discuss the implementation of the newly passed Prohibition of Child Marriage Act on 19th September 2024.
The event, chaired by Aminata Kamara, Technical Advisor for Save the Children, brought together key experts and advocates, including the Honourable Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hindowa Bindi; Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Mr Joseph Sunday Sinnah; Country Director of Save the Children, Mr Francis Oppong; and representatives from the Child Rights Coalition, among others.
The gathering marked a significant moment in Sierra Leone’s ongoing fight against child marriage, a widespread practice that has victimised countless young girls across the country. The new law, which was recently enacted, seeks to protect girls from forced marriages and exploitation and to promote gender equality and child rights.
Aminata Kamara, in h
er opening remarks, highlighted the devastating impact of child marriage on the lives of girls. She underscored that early marriage deprives girls of education, exposes them to sexual violence, and increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections. “This Child Marriage Act is vital because it legally protects girls from abuse, harm, and exploitation,” Kamara emphasized, commending the government’s commitment to gender equality under President Julius Maada Bio’s leadership.
The Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Hon. Hindowa Bindi, praised the government’s dedication to enacting this landmark law. He noted that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act represents a significant step forward in addressing gender-based violence and ensuring the protection of young girls. “The President is very passionate about children’s issues,” he said, reaffirming the government’s resolve to prioritize women’s and children’s welfare. He also mentioned the pending Child Rights Act, which is expected
to strengthen the legal framework protecting minors.
Chief Director of the Ministry of Gender, Mr. Joseph Sunday Sinnah, took the floor to explain the specifics of the new law, detailing its seven key sections. These include the prohibition of child marriage, penalties for offenders, and provisions for the annulment of pre-existing child marriages. He stressed that perpetrators of child marriage, including those who officiate or conspire to arrange such unions, will face criminal penalties. “This is a major step forward in protecting girls from sexual violence and early marriage,” Sinnah declared.
Sinnah also commended First Lady Fatima Bio for her relentless advocacy through the “Hands Off Our Girls” campaign, which was pivotal in shaping the new legislation. He urged ministries and social welfare agencies to collaborate in offering psychosocial support and social services to victims of child marriage, noting that community engagement will be crucial for the law’s successful implementation.
The Country Di
rector of Save the Children, Mr. Francis Oppong, expressed his organization’s enthusiasm for the new law. He acknowledged the immense work that went into its passage, particularly the advocacy efforts of civil society groups, and urged communities to support its enforcement. “This law is critical to safeguarding girls from child marriage,” Oppong said, calling for continued collaboration between government and civil society to raise public awareness and ensure compliance.
The meeting also enabled survivors and child rights advocates to share their perspectives. Mariama Zongo, a child rights activist, highlighted the tragic consequences of child marriage, particularly the high number of deaths related to complications during childbirth. She called on paramount chiefs, who work closely with communities, to help spread awareness about the dangers of child marriage and ensure that the law is upheld in rural areas where such practices are most prevalent.
As the event concluded, there was a palpable sense of unit
y and urgency among attendees, who agreed that the fight against child marriage is far from over. While a significant achievement, the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act requires sustained efforts from all sectors of society to ensure its successful implementation. The stakeholders emphasized the need for continuous advocacy, education, and enforcement to protect the next generation of girls from the devastating effects of child marriage.
With the new law in place, Sierra Leone has taken a bold step toward ending child marriage, but as many participants at the meeting noted, it will take collective action from communities, religious leaders, and government bodies to turn this legislation into a transformative reality.
Source: Sierra Leone News Agency