The Customary Law of Sierra Leone which allowed under aged girls to be married off with the consent of their parent has now been abolished.
21 June 2024 – Sierra Leone’s parliament approved The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024. The new bill includes provisions for enforcing penalties on offenders, protecting victims’ rights, and ensuring access to education and support services for young girls affected by child marriage.
According to girlsnotbrides.com
under the Child Rights Act 2007 the minimum legal age of marriage was set at 18 years, however this was contradicted by the Customary Marriage and Divorce Act 2009, which allows underage children to be married off with parental consent and does not stipulate a minimum age of marriage.
The passing of The Prohibition of Child Marriage Bill 2024 represents a harmonisation of these laws, ensuring 18 years old as the minimum legal age of marriage. The new bill include provisions for enforcing penalties on offenders, protecting victims’ rights, and ensuring access to education and support services for young girls affected by early child marriage.
“The passing of this bill represents a vital step forward in addressing child, early and forced marriages in Sierra Leone. Furthermore, the provision of support services to affected girls and access to education are essential so that girls are protected and are not negatively impacted by criminalisation. This bill and the provision of support services will allow girls to live happily, safely and reach their full potential”
– Fatou Gueye Ndir, Senior Regional Engagement and Advocacy Officer, Girls Not Brides
