How to Stop Child Marriage? Punish Husbands, Parents and Wedding Guests
Sierra Leone bans child marriage, penalizes adults and enablers, allowing child brides to seek compensation and annulment. Challenges in enforcing law in rural areas persist, requiring community engagement and education for success.
Read original articleSierra Leone recently passed a law banning child marriage, prohibiting marriages for individuals under 18 and imposing fines on adult spouses. This law is considered a significant victory for activists aiming to eradicate the widespread practice in the country. The legislation not only penalizes the adult spouses but also targets those who enable the marriage, including parents, officiants, and wedding guests. Child brides in Sierra Leone can now seek financial compensation and petition for an annulment under this new law. The country has a high prevalence of child marriage, with about 800,000 girls under 18 married, representing a third of girls in Sierra Leone. The ban aligns with broader efforts in the country to promote girls' rights, education, and protection from harmful practices like female genital cutting. However, challenges remain in enforcing the law effectively, especially in rural areas where child marriage is more common. Building relationships with communities, addressing poverty, and educating on sexual and reproductive health are crucial steps to ensure the ban's success and protect vulnerable girls from early marriages.
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