Many citizens of Nigeria has urged the federal government to emulate Sierra Leone to ban child marriage in the country.
It should be noted that Sierra Leone’s parliament just approved a new law which bans child marriage.
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The new law stipulates that marrying girls under eighteen years of age is a criminal offence that attracts a jail term of fifteen years and a compulsory fine of $2,000.(Photo Credit; Facebook)
International Non Governmental Organization [NGO], Save The Children called the move “A Historic Move”.
The new law stipulates that marrying girls under eighteen years of age is a criminal offence that attracts a jail term of fifteen years and a compulsory fine of $2,000.
According to United Nations Children’s Fund [UNICEF], more than one-third of women in Sierra Leone married before the age of eighteen.
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UNICEF Sierra Leone said “This legislation will help curb child marriage rates, advance child rights and give girls a fair shot at a brighter future. With 30% girls marrying before eighteen year [MICS 2017], this is a crucial step forward. Photo Credit: Facebook
Nevertheless, the bill is yet to be signed into law by the Sierra Leonean president, Julius Maada Wonie Bio.
UNICEF Sierra Leone said “This legislation will help curb child marriage rates, advance child rights and give girls a fair shot at a brighter future. With 30% girls marrying before eighteen year [MICS 2017], this is a crucial step forward.
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