In remote corners of Sierra Leone, men caught glimpse of girls under the age of 18 years. Families are poor and always succumb to the financial pressure received from the various suitors for their girl-child. The financial pressure on families sways them away and forgets the importance of education for the girl-child. Families think only about their poor conditions and their needs. Marriages of underage girls are on the rise as the Coronavirus Pandemic deepens poverty around the world more especially in Sierra Leone, which has threatened the hard work of various organisations including The Needy Today.
According to the United Nations estimates, hardships resulting from COVID-19 will drive 13 million more girls to marry before the age of 18. In most cases, needy parents receive a dowry for their daughters, a bit of land or livestock that can provide income, or cash and a promise to take over financial responsibility for the young bride.
The Needy Today is working hard to create more awareness about the need for girls to stay longer in schools rather than early marriage. We need support to continue the fight against early and forceful marriages.