Government Announces Plan to Combat Child Marriage, Adolescent Pregnancy in Sierra Leone

Chief Minister, Dr. David Moinina Sengeh has launched a national strategy aimed at tackling the widespread issues of adolescent pregnancy and child marriage in Sierra Leone. 

The initiative focuses on creating a safer and more supportive environment for adolescents, empowering them to pursue education and reach their full potential.

“This strategy is about giving every young girl in Sierra Leone the chance to live a life free from the barriers of early pregnancy and marriage,” said Chief Minister Dr. David Moinina Sengeh during the launch.

Adolescent pregnancies and child marriages have been longstanding challenges in Sierra Leone, affecting the health, education, and economic futures of young girls. By addressing these issues head-on, the government aims to create lasting change through education, healthcare access, and stronger legal protections.

A key part of the strategy is expanding sexual and reproductive health education in schools and communities, ensuring that young people have the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions. “Education is the key to breaking the cycle,” Dr. Sengeh explained. “We are committed to ensuring that girls have the tools to shape their own futures.”

The plan also includes providing mentorship, skills training, and economic opportunities for vulnerable girls. These initiatives aim to reduce the financial pressures that often lead families to marry off their daughters at a young age, offering alternatives that empower girls to build independent futures. By focusing on economic empowerment, the strategy seeks to lift families out of poverty and remove some of the pressures that contribute to child marriage.

The government is strengthening laws to protect children’s rights and working closely with communities to challenge harmful cultural norms that contribute to early marriage and pregnancy. By raising awareness and shifting societal attitudes, the initiative is laying the groundwork for a future where every girl can thrive. With strong leadership and broad support, Sierra Leone is advancing its efforts to end child marriage and adolescent pregnancies, creating a more promising future for all.