By Nasratu Kargbo
In a bid to discourage child marriage, and end the health implications and other challenges that the practice brings along, Member of Parliament representing Pujehun District Mariama Munia Zombo has given notice to introduce the bill entitled Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024, which carries stiffer punishment for defaulters.
The MP gave the notice on the 4th of June 2024 in parliament. Speaking on what the bill seeks to achieve Zombo explained that it intends to end child marriage in the country; she said other aspects of the bill will forbid cohabitation with a child and encourage compensation to victims.
She said they will harmonize certain laws to ensure loopholes are taken care of, and mentioned the Child Rights Act of 2007, the Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act of 2009, the Christian Marriage Act of 1960, the Muslim Marriage Act of 1960, and the Civil Marriage Act 1960, all of which she said have issues.
Zombo explained a clause in the Child Rights Act 2007 that prohibits child marriage but quickly noted that the penalties are weak. Registration of Customary Marriage and Divorce Act 2009 prohibits child marriage but gives authority to the child’s guardian or local authority to give consent for a child to be married.
Speaking on the other forms of marriage the MP said the Muslim Marriage Act 1960 does not mention age, whilst the Christian Marriage Act 1960 speaks of age twenty-one which according to her is far behind, and the Civil Marriage Act 1960 does not talk about not giving certificate to a child.
“These are loopholes that have to be harmonized,” she said.
When asked why she chose to make a private members motion and not go through the usual route of government motion and whether she thinks it will get the political support it deserves, the MP explained that SO 48 (1) gives them the right as members of parliament to push for a private members bill, but also stated that she made the notice on behalf of the Gender and Children’s Affairs Committee and Legislative Committee in Parliament, both of which are working together.
She explained that she moved a private member's motion because the laws that have to do with child marriage are under review which will take time, stressing that the issue of child marriage is an urgent one. The MP emphasized that married adolescent girls face serious health complications such as obstetric fistula, and mental and psychosocial issues amongst others.
“It also affects the education of girls. So, child marriage affects all other rights that we are fighting to give our children. If this law is not passed, Child marriage will undermine all the work we have done” she said. The MP added that around 2017 the country had its highest child marriage rate, stating that the number remains high, hoping for an enacted law that will create a difference.
Copyright © 2024 Politico (07/06/24)
