Sierra Leone's First Lady, Fatima Maada Bio, celebrated with women across the country after a bill banning child marriage, which she fervently supported, was passed by parliament.
On June 21, 2024, Sierra Leone made history by passing a bill to outlaw child marriage following a campaign joined by girls nationwide and Save the Children to criminalize the prevalent practice.
The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024 aims to criminalize marrying or entering into a union with anyone under the age of 18. 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 marriage.
Sierra Leone has one of the world's highest rates of child marriage, early pregnancy, and maternal mortality. Approximately one-third of girls are married before 18, and another third give birth before 19, according to the Ministry of Health.
Save the Children, a rights organization, collaborated with First Lady Fatima Maada Bio, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and other entities to combat child marriage in the country.
The Office of the First Lady stated that the Bill will address enforcement challenges by establishing penalties for violations and encouraging community leaders to support its active implementation. By strengthening existing laws and enhancing their enforcement, the bill aims to create a safer environment for children, particularly girls.
Following the passage of the Child Marriage Prohibition Bill, First Lady Bio celebrated the victory on X.
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