Sierra Leone: A National Pledging Day Strengthens Commitment to Implement Child Marriage Law

As part of the 100 Days of Action to End Child Marriage, the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, with support and in partnership with  Child Marriage Free World, The West Africa Youth Network for Peace Education and Economic Development (WAYNPEED) and Community Solidarity to Improve Lives(ComSIL), convened a National Pledging Event to advance implementation of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 in Sierra Leone.

Held at the Ministry’s conference hall in Freetown, the event brought together the government,, development partners, civil society organisations, traditional leaders, and children to reaffirm a shared commitment to protecting children across the country. A total of 155 participants attended and took the pledge to end child marriage, led by the Deputy Minister Hon. Buakai Bindi Hindowa.

Strengthening Implementation of Laws and Policies

Opening the session, Mr. Daniel Albert Gbow, Deputy Director at the Ministry, outlined the purpose of the gathering: to move from commitment to implementation. He referenced key national frameworks, including the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act2024, the Child Rights Act 2025, the Revised Alternative Care Policy 2026, and national mechanisms addressing gender-based violence and children in street situations.

He emphasized that protecting children requires coordinated action across sectors and stronger collaboration between the government and partners to ensure effective service delivery for children at risk.

Government and Partners Reaffirm Collective Responsibility

In her opening remarks, Madam Boi Jenneh Jalloh, Chairperson of the Child Rights Coalition in Sierra Leone, highlighted the importance of the event as a platform for reflection and action.

“This occasion underscores our collective responsibility to address the issues affecting children and to ensure that the legal frameworks established to protect them are effectively implemented.”

Hon. Buakai Bindi Hindowa, Deputy Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs, reinforced this commitment. He linked the effort to the country’s broader Human Capital Development Agenda, emphasizing that child marriage limits children’s education and future opportunities. He called on parents, communities, and development partners to support ongoing government efforts to safeguard children.

The Ministry of Social Welfare also highlighted ongoing actions, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the Family Support Unit to strengthen enforcement against perpetrators. Positive parenting and community engagement were identified as key approaches to prevention.

Role of Civil Society and Community Leadership

Civil society partners emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration. Representatives from the Child Rights Coalition described the legal framework as an important step in protecting children, while also stressing the need for awareness and enforcement at the community level.

Notably, there were also calls for traditional and religious leaders to establish local monitoring mechanisms to identify and report cases of child marriage, ensuring that national laws translate into action within communities.

Children’s Voices and Collective Commitment

Children from the Children’s Forum Network and other child-led organisations actively participated in the event, calling for stronger action to protect their rights. Their involvement reinforced the importance of including children in conversations and decisions that affect them.

All participants committed  to work together to prevent child marriage and protect children from abuse and exploitation. As part of this commitment, participants also took part in a collective signing activity, where the deputy minister, government representatives, partners, community leaders, and children signed a national pledge banner, publicly reaffirming their commitment to a Child Marriage Free Sierra Leone.

A Step Forward in National Action

Supported by Child Marriage Free World, WAYNPEED, and ComSIL, the event marked an important step in strengthening coordinated national action to end child marriage.

By bringing together the government of Sierra Leone, communities, civil society and development partners,  the pledging event reinforced a shared direction: ensuring that laws are implemented, systems are strengthened, and every child in Sierra Leone is protected and supported to grow, learn, and thrive.