Ministry of Gender, Save the Children Roll Out Youth-Friendly Marriage Ban

The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), partnering with Save the Children and allied protection agencies, unveiled a child-accessible version of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act during a Brookfields Hotel ceremony in New England Ville.

Attendees included development partners like Plan International, World Vision, UNICEF, paramount chiefs, and representatives from various child protection bodies—all united against underage unions in Sierra Leone.

Mrs. Boi Jenneh Jalloh, chairing as head of the Child Rights Coalition, welcomed everyone. She called the launch a major step toward giving young people knowledge of their own entitlements.

MoGCA’s Chief Director, Mr. Charles Vandi explained that the simplified document helps everyone from primary pupils to adolescents grasp legal provisions. He said the effort boosts awareness, advances youth safeguards, and ensures adults and minors alike understand penalties for early marriage.

Ms. Sawaneh from the Human Rights Commission linked early weddings to community-level insecurity and harmful traditions. She urged parental accountability, local sensitization, and deeper collaboration with traditional chiefs.

Speaking for Save the Children, Advocacy Director Esther Elliott Nyuma reaffirmed her organization’s pledge to protect minors. She noted that this plain-language version lets kids better comprehend their rights and duties, encouraging them to speak up and seek help.

A standout moment came from Kadijatu Lamarana Shunem Barrie, a Fourah Bay College gender-studies graduate. She recounted resisting matrimony at age 14 in Kambia District—a powerful testament to education and resilience.

Family Support Unit’s Mrs. Betty Johnson highlighted health, schooling, and social harms from child marriage, especially for girls. She demanded stricter law enforcement and more advocacy where such customs linger.

Deputy Director Aminata Kargbo and Victoria Squire delivered the Act’s technical breakdown, outlining key clauses and the simplified layout. They then handed the child-friendly document to the deputy minister for formal release.

In his keynote, Deputy Minister Buakai Hindowa Bindi applauded development partners’ steady backing and praised President Dr. Julius Maada Bio’s dedication to child protection and gender parity. He stressed the government’s resolve to shield youngsters’ rights and let girls grow, learn, and reach their full potential. “Girls should be girls, not mothers,” he declared, underscoring the pressing need to end child marriage while expanding education and social safety nets. He assured stakeholders of the Ministry’s pledge to spread this youth-friendly Act nationwide.

The gathering closed with a robust call to action, reaffirming a shared vow to eliminate child marriage in Sierra Leone. This official rollout of the child-friendly Prohibition of Child Marriage Act represents a major milestone for awareness, protection, and empowerment of young people across the country.

Correspondent-Kelvin Mark Kargbo

Mail: mkelson367@gmail.com

Tel: +232 78104964