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Save the Children, an international non-governmental organization, convened schoolchildren, parents, traditional leaders, officials from the Ministry of Gender and Children’s Affairs, and a representative from the Ministry of Social Welfare to present a “friendly version” of the Child Marriage Act of 2024.
The simplified version of the Act is presented as a colorful booklet using drawings and simplified language. According to Save the Children, the format is intended to help children understand the law and their rights.
Esther Nyuma, Director of Advocacy for Save the Children, addressed attendees during the event. She presented the booklet and stated, “Child marriage should be a thing of the past.” Nyuma explained that the law affirms children’s rights to education, play, and development before marriage. She also outlined penalties under the Act, noting that adults who attempt to marry a child may face a heavy fine, imprisonment, or both. Nyuma added that individuals who assist in arranging a child marriage, including parents or relatives, are also subject to punishment under the law.
Betty Johnson-Williams, a police officer from the Family Support Unit (FSU), also spoke at the event. Johnson-Williams said that forced marriage of underage girls is “becoming increasingly common practice” and that “children can be sensitive to these situations.” She advised children to report concerns to a teacher, contact the FSU helpline, or speak with a Save the Children worker. She outlined warning signs, including being told to stop school or being informed they would live with an older person. Johnson-Williams displayed the FSU badge to help children identify officers.
Nyuma stated that the law provides protection to children “even from your own parents if they hurt you,” and said Save the Children and the FSU would assist with safe housing and return to school for affected children. She said the friendly version of the Act was developed so it is “fully understood by the children we are trying to protect.”
At the close of the event, each child received a copy of the booklet.
The Child Marriage Act of 2024 prohibits marriage involving children. The friendly version is part of Save the Children’s outreach to raise awareness of the law among children.
