Sierra Leone Bans Child Marriage with Harsh Penalties

Sierra Leone has recently enacted the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, imposing penalties on men marrying girls under 18, with fines and jail terms. Despite this progress, activists urge further action to address female genital mutilation (FGM), a prevalent issue in the country. The new law, supported by First Lady Fatima Bio, aims to combat high rates of child marriage, teenage pregnancy, and maternal mortality. While the legislation is a significant milestone towards gender equality and child protection, it does not address FGM, a practice intertwined with child marriage. Advocates emphasize the importance of tackling FGM to effectively combat child marriage and ensure the well-being of girls in Sierra Leone.