Sierra Leone Bans Child Marriage

The rule was passed in Sierra Leone, a West African country.

Sierra Leone Bans Child Marriage

African kids. Photo by Africa News Bulletin / LinkedIn.

Sierra Leone bans child marriage

The government of Sierra Leone, a country in West Africa, made a new law that bans child marriage.

Under this new rule, if a man marries an underage girl, he could go to jail and would have to pay a fine. Even parents or people at the wedding could get fined.

India on child marriage
Child marriage.jpg
A poster to report child marriage. Photo by Child Marriage Free India.

Indian law doesn’t allow child marriage. Even though fewer child marriages are happening now, they still happen in many states.

Many NGOs are working to stop this and have rescued underage girls from getting married.

How serious is this issue?
Child Marriage 2.jpg
A poster to stop child marriage. Photo by Basic Foundation.

It's a big problem. Instead of going to school, playing with friends, and learning new things, some children are forced to get married against their wishes.

Reports say one in five girls are married as children worldwide. In Sierra Leone, many girls are married before they're eighteen.

Harmful effects of child marriage

Child marriage takes away a child's childhood. Girls in these marriages often become victims of violence at home and are asked to leave school.

If you see a child getting married, tell your parents right away. Explain why child marriage is wrong and illegal.

Collect 150 Hootcoins!

START QUIZ

Did you read these articles?

© 2024 Newsahoot Media Pvt. Ltd. All rights reserved.