MINISTRY OF GENDER AND CHILDREN’S AFFAIRS CONVENS COORDINATION AND TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP (TWG) SESSION ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF REGULATIONS AND ROLL-OUT FOR THE PROHIBITION OF CHILD MARRIAGE.

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, in collaboration with development partners and child protection agencies, convened a Coordination and Technical Working Group (TWG) session at the Ministry’s headquarters to discuss progress on the development of regulations and the nationwide roll-out of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.

Key institutions represented included the Child Rights Coalition, Save the Children, UNICEF, the National Commission for Children (NCC), YACAN, and other child protection partners. Senior officials from the Ministry, such as Deputy Chief Director Charles Vandi, Director of Children’s Affairs Mrs. Joyce B. Kamara, Deputy Director Daniel Albert Gbow, and Assistant Directors Laura Kororma and Bashiru Thullah, were also present.

Chairing the meeting, the Deputy Chief Director at the Ministry of Gender and Children's Affairs, Mr Charles Vandi provided a recap of the previous session and encouraged partners to thoroughly review the shared document, make recommendations, and raised any concerns for the Ministry’s attention.

He stressed that the collective document should reflect the shared vision of all stakeholders, and not be owned by a single institution.

Mr Vandi also emphasized the importance of drafting a Cabinet Paper for submission to the Minister and underscored the need for inclusive consultation to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment at all levels.

Deputy Director Daniel Albert Gbow reviewed action points from the last meeting, highlighting the role of child protection organizations in developing messages for radio and media discussions to raise awareness.

He also noted progress on the concept note and budget, which have been shared with partners.

Mr Gbow commended Save the Children for leading the development of a simplified version of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act for wider dissemination and stressed the need for participation from the CFN and the Office of the First Lady in future meetings.

The Chairperson of the Child Rights Coalition, Boi Jeneh Jalloh, expressed concern over the serious implications of child marriage on teenage girls.

She stressed that marriage should only occur with the consent of both parties to prevent violations and associated challenges.

Ether Elliott Nyuma from Save the Children reaffirmed their commitment to the process, noting that they have already developed and shared radio and media awareness messages as part of their contribution to the consultation.

A representative from Plan International raised questions about specific provisions in the Act, particularly regarding those authorized to officiate marriages—such as religious leaders—and situations where parents disagree on consent. He called for clearer guidance on these scenarios.

The meeting concluded with an A&B session, where partners discussed the African Union Mission on Child Protection and Harmful Practices, with a commitment to share related documents with partners who had not yet received them.

Kelvin Mark Kargbo

SLENA Correspondent

Email: mkelson367@gmail.com

Tel: +232 78 104964