Child marriages: a hidden tragedy

In parts of Kenya, Tanzania and Sierra Leone, young girls are still forced into marriage. Often these are orphaned children who no longer have parents to protect them. In coastal areas such as Mombasa, this sometimes happens as early as age 13 to 15. In poor rural areas in Sierra Leone, even younger.

Why does this happen?

• Poverty: a bride price is seen as a source of income
• Cultural pressure: “a girl should be married in time”
• Lack of education: girls who do not attend school are married off sooner
• Lack of protection: orphans depend on family or the community
• Teen pregnancy: pregnant girls are forced to marry the father

Sierra Leone: ban on child marriage in 2024

In June 2024, Sierra Leone took an important step by legally prohibiting marriages under the age of 18, regardless of religious or traditional practices. Violating this law can result in up to 15 years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000.

Still, the risk remains high for girls in remote villages, where enforcement is difficult and tradition can be stronger than the law. Orphaned girls are particularly at risk—without parents, without education and without protection.

What are the consequences?

• Dropping out of school (almost always)
• Early pregnancy with serious health risks
• Physical and emotional abuse
• Lifelong dependency and isolation

What does our foundation do?

Watoto Yatima Foundation protects girls from child marriage by:

• 🎓 Providing school fees and access to education
• 🏠 Organising safe shelter and guidance for girls without a safe home
• 🗣️ Engaging communities and religious leaders in awareness and change
• 💡 Providing structural support so poverty is not a reason for forced marriage