By Marilyn King
Aids Health Care Foundation Sierra Leone (AHFSL) on Friday 11th October 2024 joined the world over to commemorate the International Day of the Girl Child with panel discussions on Child Marriage Act.
The program held at the Waterloo Western Urban, brought together partners and government officials.
In his welcome remarks, the Development planning officer of Children Forum Network (CFN) Mohamed Foday said that this year’s celebration popularizes the Child Right Marriage Act.
He furthered that they are present to popularize the Child Right Marriage Act as an instrument that guides their right as a girl.
He continued that as a day is not only to celebrate the children but also their opportunities influenced on the right of welfare and the future that they are shaping for them.
He maintained that marriage deprives the children from their education.
“Today’s dialogue session is a crucial step in this direction; we are here to listen to you and to hear your thoughts, concerns and aspirations, “he applauds.
He stated that they should commit themselves but no girl is forced into marriage.
The Country Program Director of AHF Sierra Leone, Madam Miatta Jambawai Kai Samba said that as they celebrate the International Day of the Girl Child, they stand together to recognize and uplift the voice, power, and potential of girls not only in Sierra Leone but around the world.
She said this year’s theme “Girls vision for the future,” mentioning that as an organization working with young people in the HIV field, it is crucial to seize this movement to raise awareness about the new law and its impact on health, education and the wellbeing of young people particularly girls.
She noted that child marriage is not only a human right violation, but it is also a significant contributor to health risks, including maternal mortality and higher vulnerability to HIV infections
She stated that Child Marriage robs young girls of their childhood, exposes them to early pregnancies and limits their opportunities for a better future.
The Executive Director of PPASL, Madam Sarian Kamara said that Child Marriage is a significant violation of human right that undermines the heart of education and future prospect of young individual particularly the girls.
She added that when young girls are married, they are contributing factor to the high maternal mortality.
She said by enforcing laws on Child Marriage it can protect children and empower them to realize their potential.
She thanked the government and partners for taking the bold step to make Child Marriage illegally in Sierra Leone, emphasizing that this is a significant milestone in protecting Children and ensuring their wellbeing and future opportunities for their growth and development.
She also thanked AGF for taking the bold steps to join raising awareness about the child Marriage Act.
She stated that PPASL are committed to promoting the right and wellbeing of children, and they stand ready to work with the government, civil society, partners and other stakeholders to advocate for legislation that truly possess the right of Children in Sierra Leone.
She said they want to see in Sierra Leone where girls are free from all forms of abuse and more women, men and young people access information and affordable sexual reproductive health and right services they need.
She concluded that she is calling on Sierra Leoneans and partners to prioritize the protection of children and to take immediate action to address the harmful effect of child marriage.
