Sierra Leone Outlaws Child Marriage

SIERRA LEONE – Sierra Leone’s President Julius Maada bio signed a bill late Tuesday banning child marriage, aiming to safeguard girls in a nation where about a third are wed before adulthood.

The law, celebrated widely, criminalizes marrying girls under 18 with penalties up to 15 years in prison or a $4,000 fine.
Witnesses to such marriages also face legal consequences.

Sierra Leone, home to 800,000 child brides, half married before 15, sees this as a crucial step in protecting girls’ rights, supported by first Lady Fatima Bio and focusing on education and support services.