In a significant step towards ending child marriage, Sierra Leone’s First Lady, Dr. Fatima Maada Bio, led a crucial meeting of the technical committee towards the proposed Prohibition of Early Child Marriage Bill, on the 13th of May 2024, at her Goderich Office In Freetown.
The committee, comprised of government officials, parliamentarians, child rights advocates, and law enforcement representatives to examine and refine the bill. Early marriage remains a pressing issue in Sierra Leone, with many girls forced into wedlock before the age of 18. This practice not only violates their human rights but also jeopardizes their health and educational prospects.
Her Excellency’s leadership in this technical committee meeting signifies the government’s commitment to tackling this critical social issue. The involvement of diverse stakeholders underscores a collaborative effort between the government and civil society to implement effective legal measures and safeguard the well-being of young girls in Sierra Leone. This meeting paves the way for a stronger legislative framework to protect girls from the detrimental consequences of early marriage.
Credit:
Strategic Communications Division,
Office Of The First Lady,
Republic Of Sierra Leone.
