The Sierra Leonean government has officially outlawed child marriage on Tuesday with President Julius Maada Bio signing into law, a bill to terminate the practice that has remained widespread for so long.
Activists are hoping the new legislation will better safeguard the girls in Sierra Leone, about a third of whom get married before the age of 18. This phenomenon increases the maternal death rate due to the bodily risks they face from pregnancy, according to the health ministry.
This new law stipulates that any man who marries a girl under the age of 18 could face about 15 years in prison and a fine of around $4,000.
The parents or guests attending the marriage ceremonies could also face fines.
Why It Matters
West and Central Africa have been recorded to have the highest prevalence of child marriages in the world and is home to almost 60 million child brides. This is according to a report by the U.N. children’s agency (UNICEF).
Sierra Leone’s action thus, sends a powerful message to other African nations. By breaking the cycle of early marriage, the country paves the way for neighboring countries like Tanzania and Zambia to reconsider laws that permit child marriage.
By curbing child marriage, Sierra Leone also hopes to decrease maternal deaths caused by complications during pregnancy and childbirth
