WINDHOEK: Former First Lady of Namibia and United Nations and Sustainable Development Goals ( SDG ) advocate , Monica Geingos stated that changing public opinion is just as crucial as changing the law regarding child marriage . Geingos noted this in a social media post made on the official page of the third First Lady of Namibia on Friday , following her attendance at the High – Level Dinner on the Prohibition of Child Marriage in Sierra Leone , which was hosted in New York City , on 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 ,’ stated Geingos . UNICEF estimates that 800 000 child brides existed in 2020 , with half of them getting married before turning fifteen . There is also a high prevalence of female genital mutilation in this little over eight million persons in the country . President Julius Maada Bio of S
ierra Leone signed The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2024 into law on 02 July 2024 and the act unites the laws in Sierra Leone by establishing the age of marriage at 18 . Geingos attended 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 ,’ noted Geingos . She 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

Source: The Namibia News Agency