Sierra Leone’s parliament has approved a law banning child marriage, in a development lauded by activists as a major win for children’s rights.

The legislation, welcomed by activists and rights groups, criminalizes the marriage of girls under the age of 18 and imposes stringent penalties on offenders.

Under the new law, individuals found guilty of marrying girls under 18 can face jail terms of up to 15 years. This move is seen as a crucial step in protecting young girls from the physical, emotional, and educational harms associated with early marriage.

Sierra Leone is home to approximately 800,000 child brides, with half of these girls having been married before the age of 15. The widespread practice has long been a concern for human rights organizations, which have advocated for stronger legal frameworks to safeguard children’s rights.

Activists have lauded the passage of the law as a significant victory in the fight against child marriage, emphasizing its potential to transform the lives of countless girls across the country. 

They argue that this legal advancement will help to shift societal norms and empower girls to pursue education and other opportunities, free from the pressures of early marriage.

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