Sierra Leone has banned child marriage with a new law celebrated in a big ceremony led by First Lady Fatima Bio in Freetown.
President Julius Maada Bio signed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, which punishes those involved in marrying girls under 18 with at least 15 years in jail or a fine of about $4,000.
University student Khadijatu Barrie, whose sister was married at 14, welcomed the ban but wished it had come earlier to save her sister and friends.
In Sierra Leone, fathers often force their daughters into marriage, and Ms. Barrie faced this herself at age 10. She ran away and found help from teachers and a UN worker.
The health ministry says one-third of girls are married before 18, leading to high maternal death rates.
The new law punishes the groom, parents, guardians, and even wedding guests. Mrs. Bio, who has been campaigning against sexual abuse, wanted the bill’s signing to be a significant event.
President Bio, inspired by the women in his life, wants to empower women and girls in Sierra Leone. Rights activists called the law a historic moment.
The US Bureau of African Affairs also praised the law, saying it protects girls and supports human rights. This news is based on a report by BBC.
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx02p44px1do