Samuel Kallon 
By Ragan M. Conteh
The First Lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Jabbie Bio on Thursday 20th June, 2024 joined Members of Parliament in the Chamber of Parliament during the debate on the Prohibition of Child Marriage.
The First Lady received thunderous praises from both APC and SLPP for championing the cause for the prohibition of child marriage in Sierra Leone.
During the debate, the Deputy Leader of Government Business, Hon. Bashiru Silikie thanked the first lady for making the lives of women and girls to become enviable.
He said the bill tends to put an end to child marriage and all those who’ve suffered it.
He went on to say that a whole section has been apportioned for cohabitation.
The bill says a person shall not cohabit a child, adding that if a person lives with a child with intent to have sex; it is a crime.
Hon. Silikie said those who have married below the child age should now leave these marriages but to continue with such marriages amounts to a crime.
He further said compensations are going to be paid soon by violators.
“Only women are to marry but not children,” he said.
The deputy leader urged all MPs and parent to popularize the bill.
He maintained that the bill gives the strength to women and girls.
Hon. Neneh Lebbie said when a child is forced to become a wife, it makes it harder for her, adding that the bill seeks to address such situations.
In such early-child marriage situations, he says, “The child can be suckling her baby at the same time will be having sex with the husband.”
“This is a herculean task for early marriage girls,” she said.
Hon. Emerson Saa Lamina paid tribute to the First Lady Fatima Jabbie Bio for her tireless effort to proposing a law that will save out young girls in Sierra Leone.
The Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Ibrahim Tawa Conteh said the activities related to marriage are not meant for children.
He said Fatima Bio is a woman of humility, adding that the Office of the First Lady is an extension of the President and must be supported.
The Deputy Speaker added that Parliament should allocate funds to the office of the first lady.
The Leader of opposition in Parliament, Hon Abdul Kargbo thanked the first lady and Hon Zombo for championing a bill.
39% of the girls are marrying before their birthdays.
He said in Moyamba district alone, 33% is accounted for in one of the areas considered as the red zone for child marriage, Moyamba is followed with Kambia and Koinadugu districts as hot spots areas.
He said 30% of girls are dropping out of schools because of early marriage.
According to a ministry’s data teenage pregnancy clocks 34% in Sierra Leone.
The opposition leader said Parliament should be known for passing good laws.
He pointed out that the only way to put an end to early marriage is through legislation.
Hon. Kargbo says the laws, if passed, will live longer than the political parties.
He said there are several lapses that the bill is taking care of.
