By Ramatulai Leigh

In Sierra Leone, early marriage often referred to as child marriage remains a deeply entrenched practice that robs young girls of their childhood, health, education, and future opportunities. Despite growing awareness and recent legal reforms, the devastating consequences of this practice continue to affect thousands of girls across the country. Rooted in poverty, harmful cultural norms, and lack of educational opportunities, early marriage perpetuates cycles of inequality and despair.

Poverty is one of the primary drivers of early marriage. Families struggling to survive often view daughters as economic burdens and see marriage as a way to ease financial hardship. By marrying off a daughter, they reduce household expenses and sometimes receive a dowry in return. However, this short-term solution entrenches poverty rather than alleviates it.

Married young, girls are forced to abandon school, cutting off their chance for education and future independence, lacking skills and economic agency, they become entirely dependent on their husbands, this dependency means they are less able to invest in their children’s education or health, passing the cycle of poverty and early marriage on to the next generation.

Beyond poverty, cultural norms and societal pressures reinforce the practice. Traditional beliefs often tie a girl’s value to her chastity and ability to bear children, making early marriage a way of preserving family honor. Practices like female genital mutilation (FGM), particularly tied to secret societies such as the Bondo society, are considered rites of passage into womanhood and precursors to marriage.

Girls who resist early marriage risk social exclusion, shame, or rejection by their families. For many, societal acceptance and survival depend on conformity, leaving them little choice but to marry young.

The health risks of early marriage are grave. Girls’ bodies are not fully developed for childbirth, leaving them vulnerable to pregnancy-related complications. In Sierra Leone, teenage pregnancy remains a leading cause of death among girls aged 15–19. Early motherhood often results in obstetric fistula, maternal mortality, and infants born with low birth weight or at risk of early death.

Young brides also face a heightened risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS, the power imbalance in these marriages leaves them unable to negotiate safe sex or make decisions about their reproductive health.

Marriage almost always marks the end of a girl’s education, once married, girls are withdrawn from school to assume domestic and childcare responsibilities. Without education, they lose the opportunity to reach their potential, and their futures are restricted to dependence and subordination.

The psychological effects are equally harmful. Stripped of their childhood, many endure isolation, anxiety, depression, and domestic abuse. Forced into adult responsibilities too soon, these girls are left emotionally unprepared and deeply vulnerable.

Despite these challenges, Sierra Leone has taken significant steps toward ending child marriage. In 2024, the government passed the landmark law criminalizing marriage under the age of 18. Offenders now face up to 15 years in prison and hefty fines, the law harmonizes previously conflicting statutes and establishes a strong legal framework for justice.

Advocacy campaigns, such as first lady Fatima Bio’s hands off our girls initiative, have amplified awareness and challenged harmful norms, community-based programs that provide safe spaces, mentorship, and life skills education are also empowering girls to take control of their futures.

Early marriage is not only a violation of girls’ rights but also a threat to Sierra Leone’s development, while legislation and advocacy mark significant progress, meaningful change will depend on effective enforcement, cultural transformation, and investment in education and empowerment programs for girls. Every girl deserves the chance to live free from exploitation, to pursue her education, and to build a future of dignity and hope.

Copyright –Published in Expo Times News on Monday,25th August 2025 (ExpoTimes News – Expo Media Group (expomediasl.com)