FROM LAW TO ACTION: FIRST LADY BIO TAKES THE FIGHT AGAINST CHILD MARRIAGE INTO THE CLASSROOM AND THE POLICE STATION:

The law is on the books. Now comes the hard part: making it real.

First Lady Fatima Maada Bio has reaffirmed her commitment to ending child marriage in Sierra Leone by leading a high-level engagement with students and officers of the Sierra Leone Police Family Support Unit at her office.

The event brought together young people and law enforcement personnel for one purpose: to strengthen awareness of the dangers of child marriage and reinforce the collective responsibility to protect the rights of children, particularly girls.

Speaking to the gathering, Mrs. Bio highlighted the importance of translating legislation into meaningful action. Laws alone do not save girls, she said. People do.

She also spoke about the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 — a landmark law and a direct product of her Hands-off-Our Girls campaign. The Act criminalises child marriage and sends a clear message that a child’s place is in school, not in marriage.

The engagement focused on two fronts. First, educating students about their rights, their bodies, and where to seek help. Second, equipping Family Support Unit officers with the knowledge and support needed to effectively enforce the law and respond swiftly to cases involving child marriage and other forms of gender-based violence.

Mrs. Bio emphasized that ending child marriage will not happen in one office or one campaign. It requires sustained collaboration among government institutions, law enforcement agencies, schools, communities, parents, and development partners.

“Every girl deserves the opportunity to remain in school, fulfil her potential and grow up free from abuse and exploitation,” she said.

With the Act passed and awareness campaigns expanding, the First Lady’s message is clear: Sierra Leone’s girls are not for sale, and the nation will no longer look away.