By Hassan Osman Kargbo
The Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, Thursday, 14 August 2025, convened a high-level Coordination and Technical Working Group (TWG) meeting at its headquarters in Freetown to assess progress on regulations and the nationwide rollout of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act.
The meeting brought together major child protection stakeholders, including Save the Children, UNICEF, Child Rights Coalition, National Commission for Children (NCC), YACAN, and other civil society organizations.
Chairing the session, Deputy Chief Director of the Ministry, Charles Vandi, underscored the importance of shared responsibility in ensuring the Act is fully enforced across Sierra Leone. He stressed that the draft implementation document should not only reflect the government’s policy direction but also embody the collective vision of partners working to protect children from harmful practices.
Mr. Vandi further emphasized the urgency of preparing a Cabinet Paper that would accelerate the process of operationalizing the Act. “This is not just a government agenda,” he noted, “it is a national priority that demands joint commitment and clear pathways for accountability.”
Deputy Director of Children’s Affairs, Daniel Albert Gbow, provided an update on achievements recorded since the last TWG meeting. He cited the development of awareness messages tailored for radio and other media platforms, designed to educate communities about the dangers of child marriage and the provisions of the new law. He also highlighted the production of a simplified version of the Act, spearheaded by Save the Children, to ensure accessibility and understanding by the wider public, especially at the community level.
During deliberations, stakeholders raised several pressing concerns that continue to undermine efforts against child marriage. Among them was the disproportionate harm suffered by teenage girls, many of whom are forced into marriages that jeopardize their health, education, and future opportunities. Representatives also pointed to the role of some religious leaders who continue to officiate child marriages, in contravention of both national law and international child protection standards.
Another issue discussed was the complexity of parental consent, which often leads to disputes in communities. Some parents, driven by economic or cultural pressures, still approve early marriages for their children, creating a difficult environment for enforcing the law at grassroots level.
Despite these challenges, the meeting ended on a strong note of solidarity. Partners reiterated their commitment to work in close collaboration with the Ministry and each other to ensure that the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act is not only enforced but also widely accepted as a social norm. Emphasis was placed on prioritizing gender equality, advancing women’s empowerment, and protecting the rights of children in every district of the country.
Stakeholders agreed that the Act represents a landmark step in Sierra Leone’s child protection framework, but its success depends on continuous community engagement, legal enforcement, and political will. Moving forward, the ministry pledged to coordinate regular follow-up sessions with partners to track progress, address emerging challenges, and maintain momentum in the national campaign to eliminate child marriage.
The TWG meeting closed with a resounding call for unity of purpose, as participants pledged to transform commitments into action that safeguards Sierra Leone’s children from exploitation and harmful practices.
