The launch, held at Brookfields Hotel in New England Ville, brought together development partners, including Plan International, World Vision, and UNICEF, alongside traditional leaders and child protection stakeholders. Officials described the event as a unified effort to end child marriage in Sierra Leone.
Chairing the event, Child Rights Coalition Chairperson Boi Jenneh Jalloh described the initiative as a “critical step” toward empowering children with knowledge of their rights. She noted that making the law understandable to children would strengthen nationwide child protection efforts.
Speaking on behalf of the ministry, Chief Director Charles Vandi explained that the simplified version of the Act is designed to be accessible to children at both primary and secondary school levels. He added that the initiative seeks to deepen public understanding of the legal consequences of child marriage while promoting prevention.
A representative of the Human Rights Commission of Sierra Leone, Ms. Sawaneh, linked child marriage to broader social challenges, including insecurity and harmful traditional practices. She urged parents and community leaders to take greater responsibility and called for sustained sensitisation campaigns.
Save the Children Director of Advocacy, Campaigns, Communications and Media, Esther Elliott Nyuma, reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to child protection, stating that the document would help children better understand and defend their rights.
A testimony from Kadijatu Lamarana Shunem Barrie, a graduate of Fourah Bay College, drew strong reactions from the audience. She recounted how she resisted early marriage at the age of 14 in Kambia District, highlighting the role of education and resilience in overcoming societal pressures.
A representative of the Family Support Unit, Betty Johnson, warned of the health, educational, and social consequences of early marriage, particularly for girls. She called for stricter enforcement of existing laws and intensified advocacy in high-risk communities.
Deputy Director Aminata Kargbo and Victoria Squire delivered a technical presentation outlining the key provisions of the Act and its simplified structure before formally presenting the document for launch.
Delivering the keynote address, Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs Buakai Hindowa Bindi commended development partners and praised President Julius Maada Bio for prioritising child protection and gender equality.
“Girls should be girls, not mothers,” Bindi said, stressing the urgency of eliminating child marriage and expanding access to education and social protection services. He further assured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to nationwide dissemination of the child-friendly law.
The launch marks a significant step in strengthening awareness and enforcement of child protection laws, as stakeholders renewed calls for collective action to end child marriage in Sierra Leone.