By: Saidu Jalloh
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs (MoGCA), in collaboration with child protection partners, has launched a national pledge aimed at ending child marriage and strengthening the implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024.
The event, held at the ministry’s national headquarters in Freetown, brought together government officials, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and children’s representatives to reaffirm their commitment to protecting children across Sierra Leone.
Among the officials present were Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Buakai Hindowa Bindi, Deputy Director of the Children’s Directorate Daniel Albert Gbow, and Deputy Secretary Andrew A.B. Kamara. Representatives from development and civil society organisations, including UNICEF, Save the Children, the National Commission for Children, Child Rights Coalition, FoRUT, and WAYNPEED, also attended.
Boi Jenneh Jalloh, Chairperson of the Child Rights Coalition, said the gathering provided an important platform for government institutions and non-governmental organisations to strengthen strategies to end child marriage. She emphasised that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2024, serves as a critical policy framework to safeguard children and promote their wellbeing and development.
Abdul Rahman Mahoi, Executive Director of WAYNPEED, commended the ministry for its continued commitment to child protection and highlighted the importance of strong collaboration between government institutions and development partners in addressing the issue.
Representing the Ministry of Social Welfare, Worokia Conteh described child marriage as a serious challenge, particularly in vulnerable communities. She noted that recent interventions, including community engagement and public awareness campaigns, have contributed to a gradual reduction in reported cases. Conteh also disclosed that the ministry has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Unit to strengthen enforcement against perpetrators of child marriage.
Speaking on behalf of Save the Children and the Child Rights Coalition, Victoria Squire explained that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act provides legal protection for girls and prescribes a minimum sentence of 15 years imprisonment for offenders. She added that a simplified, child-friendly version of the Act is being developed to help children understand their rights.
Children from the Children’s Forum Network also delivered a pledge rejecting child marriage and called for stronger national commitments to protect children’s rights.
In his keynote address, Deputy Minister Buakai Hindowa Bindi reiterated the government’s commitment to child protection under the Human Capital Development Agenda of President Julius Maada Bio. He warned that child marriage threatens children’s education and development and urged parents, guardians, and community leaders to play an active role in preventing harmful practices.
The event concluded with representatives from government institutions, civil society groups, and development partners signing a pledge banner, symbolizing a unified national commitment to end child marriage and strengthen child protection efforts across the country.