in a nation scarred by Decades of conflict and societal Norms a new law marks a pivotal moment for Sierra Leon the legislation championed by the first lady aims to end a harmful practice ingrained in the nation’s fabric General societal beliefs that um males are more valuable than females valda carbo highlights the significance of the legislative Milestone but notes no details have been provided on how the law will be implemented her organization played a crucial role in resettling more than 700 Sierra leonian refugees across Canada she emphasizes a need to address the factors which perpetuate child marriages in Sierra Leon there’s a lot of um thinking that investing in girls education is not worth it because she’s likely going to get pregnant before she can finish school Albert makot ‘s wife came to Canada through carbo’s program he spent half his life in Sierra Leon and endured the horrors of War firsthand in the country where uh literacy is high most people will not even hear about this they would not even read about this law this new enactment they will not even know so until the government rais awareness I did remember uh having a relative uh that that was going to be married as a teenager Sierra Leon has one of the highest child marriage and maternal mortality rates in the world according to the country’s Ministry of Health about a third of girls are married before 18 another third giving birth before 19 the new law was passed after girls across the country campaigned to criminalize the practice as the role of women and girls is better um recognized as core to our social Fabric and um advancing our economies and our world uh in a way that it wasn’t thought of as before Advocates say the new legislation marks a Triumph for human rights and a step towards a brighter future for Sierra Leon’s Next Generation
In West Africa’s Sierra Leone, the country has taken a significant step forward in the fight against child marriage by passing a new law criminalizing the practice.
The passing of this new law is a welcome development for Sierra Leonean refugees who have resettled in Canada, as they are beginning to see attitudes changing.
Global’s Neetu Garcha reports.
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It’s horrifying to think this is just happening now. Third world countries are third world countries for a reason I guess.
Its part of their Culture , is like telling East Indians not to pray the Cows.
Child marriage is a harmful practice that occurs in various parts of the world, including some regions in Africa. It is essential to understand the dangers and consequences associated with child marriage to address this issue effectively. Here are some reasons why child marriage is considered dangerous:
1. **Violation of Human Rights**: Child marriage violates the fundamental human rights of children, particularly girls, who are often married off at a young age without their consent. It deprives them of their right to education, health, freedom from violence, and the opportunity to make informed choices about their future.
2. **Health Risks**: Child brides face serious health risks, including complications during pregnancy and childbirth. Young girls' bodies are often not fully developed, increasing the likelihood of obstetric complications, maternal mortality, and adverse health outcomes for both the mother and the child.
3. **Interrupted Education**: Child marriage disrupts the education of young girls, limiting their opportunities for personal development, economic empowerment, and social mobility. Girls who are married off at a young age are often forced to drop out of school, perpetuating cycles of poverty and gender inequality.
4. **Social and Psychological Impact**: Child brides experience social isolation, emotional distress, and psychological trauma due to being forced into marriage at a young age. They may face abuse, exploitation, and limited autonomy within the marital relationship, leading to long-term consequences for their well-being and mental health.
5. **Cycle of Poverty**: Child marriage perpetuates the cycle of poverty by limiting girls' access to education, economic opportunities, and resources for personal growth. Young brides are often economically dependent on their husbands and may lack the skills and support needed to improve their socio-economic status.
6. **Gender Inequality**: Child marriage reinforces gender inequality by perpetuating harmful gender norms and practices that devalue and disempower girls and women. It restricts girls' agency, autonomy, and ability to participate fully in society, perpetuating unequal power dynamics within families and communities.
7. **Legal and Ethical Concerns**: Child marriage is a violation of international human rights standards and legal frameworks that protect the rights of children and promote gender equality. It goes against principles of consent, dignity, and the best interests of the child, raising ethical concerns about the practice.
8. **Intergenerational Impact**: Child marriage can have intergenerational consequences, as girls who are married off at a young age are more likely to have children at an early age, perpetuating the cycle of child marriage and its associated risks for future generations.
Addressing the dangers of child marriage requires a multi-faceted approach that involves legal reforms, community engagement, education, awareness-raising, and support services for at-risk girls and families. By working together to promote gender equality, protect children's rights, and address the root causes of child marriage, we can create a safer and more equitable future for all children, especially girls, in Africa and beyond. Certainly, let's delve deeper into the dangers of child marriage and the broader implications it has on individuals and societies:
9. **Reproductive Health Challenges**: Child marriage often leads to early and frequent pregnancies, which can pose significant risks to the health and well-being of young girls. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth, such as obstructed labor, fistula, and maternal mortality, are more common among adolescent mothers, highlighting the urgent need to address the reproductive health risks associated with child marriage.
10. **Loss of Childhood**: Child marriage robs young girls of their childhood and adolescence by thrusting them into adult roles and responsibilities before they are emotionally, physically, or mentally prepared. The transition from girlhood to wifehood and motherhood at a young age can have profound and lasting impacts on a girl's development, identity, and sense of self-worth.
11. **Limited Opportunities**: Child marriage restricts the future prospects and opportunities of young girls, trapping them in a cycle of poverty, dependence, and limited agency. Education, career aspirations, and personal growth are often sacrificed in favor of early marriage, perpetuating the marginalization and disempowerment of girls and young women.
12. **Social Stigma and Discrimination**: Child brides often face social stigma, discrimination, and ostracization within their communities due to their marital status and early motherhood. They may be excluded from social activities, denied access to support services, and marginalized by societal norms that devalue and silence their voices.
13. **Violence and Abuse**: Child marriage increases the vulnerability of young girls to various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, and forced labor. Girls who are married off at a young age may lack the legal protection, social support, and awareness of their rights needed to escape abusive situations and seek help.
14. **Impact on Development**: Child marriage hinders the social, economic, and political development of communities and countries by perpetuating cycles of poverty, inequality, and gender-based discrimination. When girls are denied the opportunity to reach their full potential and contribute to society, the overall development of a nation is compromised.
15. **Humanitarian Crisis**: The prevalence of child marriage in certain regions of Africa and other parts of the world constitutes a humanitarian crisis that requires urgent attention and intervention. Addressing the root causes of child marriage, protecting girls' rights, and empowering communities to reject harmful practices are essential steps in addressing this complex issue.
By recognizing the multifaceted dangers and consequences of child marriage, we can work together to advocate for the rights and well-being of girls, challenge harmful practices, and create a future where every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe, healthy, and supportive environment. Through collective action, policy reforms, and community engagement, we can strive to end child marriage and create a more equitable and inclusive world for all children.
It only took them… 200 years? Child marriage is GROS S
child marriage is abbhorent and should be abolished. that aside, how do you have a country where half the people make less than $2 a day and yet their leaders sit on couches covered in fabrics with their faces imprinted on it. it seems like the only people who want or are allowed to lead others on this planet need first themselves to be narcissists. us humans are bizarre
Love is Love.
Its 2024 and this is just happening now?
Uncivilized.
?
Western extreme cult liberals will definitely be sad about this news!
Way to go ?