As we continue to explore critical issues affecting youth, let’s turn our attention to another pressing matter: Child Marriage.
Child marriage or marriage without the free and full consent of both spouses is a human rights violation.
This is usually rooted in gender inequality and the belief that girls and women are inferior to boys and men. It is made worse by poverty, lack of education, harmful social norms and practices, and insecurity.
Africa has some of the highest rates of child marriage in the world.
According to UNICEF, nearly 60 million girls and young women in Africa—four out of ten—are married before the age of 18. Research shows that 130 million African girls and women today were married as children.
This issue significantly affects the well-being of girls; it denies them their childhood, the chance to go to school, to be independent, and to choose their own future.
Fortunately, there has been a significant increase in commitment across Africa to address child marriage.
Sierra Leone has taken a monumental step by implementing a ban on child marriage, a move that promises to change the lives of countless young girls in the country.
This decision to ban child marriage is a groundbreaking development in the fight for children’s rights and gender equality.
This legislation prohibits marriage for girls under the age of 18, aligning with international human rights standards. The decision was driven by recognition of the detrimental effects of child marriage on education, health, and overall well-being.
The ban includes several key provisions:
Legal Age of Marriage: Establishing 18 as the minimum legal age for marriage.
Penalties and Enforcement: Imposing strict penalties for those who facilitate or participate in child marriages, including parents, religious leaders, and community members.
Support Systems: Creating support systems for girls who escape child marriages, including access to education, healthcare, and legal assistance.
By prohibiting child marriage, more girls will have the opportunity to stay in school, which is crucial for their personal development and future economic prospects.
Additionally, when girls are educated and healthy, they are more likely to contribute to the economy. Preventing child marriage can lead to a more productive workforce and ultimately boost the country’s economic growth.
This legislation sets an example for other African nations to revoke laws permitting child marriage and ensure girls complete their education. Ultimately, educating girls and abolishing child marriage can help to create a brighter future for African countries – By YouthHubAfrica!
