Chernor Bah, Sierra Leone's Minister of Information and Civic Education, has celebrated the historic cooperation between the opposition All People's Congress (APC) and ruling Sierra Leone People's Party (SLPP) members of Parliament in passing a landmark law that outlaws child cohabitation and marriage in all its forms.
Hon.
Mariama Konneh Zombo of the SLPP and Hon. Catherine Zainab Tarawally of the
APC, alongside First Lady Fatima Bio, spearheaded the drafting and passage of
this critical legislation. The new law not only prohibits child marriage and
child cohabitation but also sets forth strict penalties for those involved in
planning, conspiring with, attending, or supporting such practices.
Minister
Bah lauded this bipartisan initiative, describing it as "a historic
moment" and "the story of a Sierra Leone that everyone can be proud
of and continue to aspire to create." His comments underscore the
significance of cross-party collaboration in tackling deeply rooted social
issues.
The
passage of the legislation has been met with widespread acclaim, including from
feminist activist Josephine Kamara of Purposeful, a feminist organization.
Kamara commended the efforts of the female MPs and the First Lady, urging women
and mothers to continue fighting against all forms of child abuse, including
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). She emphasized the importance of
community involvement in protecting young girls from harmful practices.
Minister Bah highlighted the inclusive nature of the legislative process, noting that discussions around the bill were conducted in a manner accessible to at least 90% of the population.
This approach ensured that the dialogue was open and
transparent, allowing for questions and input from journalists and citizens
across the country. This inclusivity was key in building broad-based support
for the law and ensuring that it addresses the concerns and needs of the wider
population.
The Minister concluded his remarks with a call to action, referring to the new legislation as a "clarion call" for all Sierra Leoneans to unite in protecting the country's development and promoting positive practices across all sectors.
He urged citizens to continue working together to safeguard the
rights and futures of children, particularly young girls, and to eradicate
harmful practices that hinder their development.
This landmark legislation represents a significant step in Sierra Leone's efforts to protect children's rights and promote gender equality. The collaborative effort between the SLPP and APC MPs, supported by the First Lady and civil society activists, sets a powerful example of what can be achieved when political differences are set aside in favor of the common good.
As Sierra
Leone moves forward, the commitment to ending child marriage and protecting
children's rights will remain a critical priority, ensuring a brighter future
for all young Sierra Leoneans.