Former First Lady of Namibia and United Nations and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) advocate, Monica Geingos says changing public opinion is just as crucial as changing the law regarding child marriage.

She noted this in a social media post, following her attendance of the high-level dinner on the Prohibition of Child Marriage in Sierra Leone, which was hosted in New York last Thursday.

“Changing the law is just the first step, it’s equally important to change people’s minds. Legal reform alone is not enough to create lasting change. Advocacy and mindset shifts are key to protecting our children’s futures,” Geingos said.

UNICEF estimates that 800 000 child brides existed in Sierra Leone in 2020, with half of them getting married before turning 15 years. There is also a high prevalence of female genital mutilation in the country of a little more than eight million people.

President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone signed The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act into law on 02 July 2024, which sets the age of marriage at 18 years.

Geingos attended the event in support of the first lady of Sierra Leone, Fatima Maada Bio’s tireless advocacy for the Prohibition of Child Marriages.

“Changing the marriage contract through law ensures children are protected,” she noted.

Geingos also commended President Maada Bio’s leadership, and emphasised his commitment to making sure grassroots’ advocacy efforts were made in order to change public perceptions. -Nampa