Sierra Leone child marriage ban welcomed as President Julius Maada Bio signs law

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It is estimated a third of girls are married off before they turn 18 in the West Africa nation.

Sierra Leone has brought in a new law banning child marriage with much fanfare at a ceremony organised by First Lady Fatima Bio in the capital, Freetown.

University student Khadijatu Barrie, whose sister was married off at 14, told the BBC she welcomed the ban but wished it had come in to save her younger sibling. Ms Barrie faced this prospect aged 10. She resisted it and fled the family home after her father disowned her. “If everyone understands what's there waiting for you in case you do it I'm sure this country will be a better one,” Ms Barrie said.

 

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