24/12/2024
Battle Against Child Marriage in South Sudan.
Child marriage deprives young girls of their right to education, personal growth, and a healthy future.
According to UNICEF, South Sudan has one of the highest rates of child marriage globally, with over 50% of girls married before the age of 18.
These girls are often subjected to health risks, such as complications during pregnancy and childbirth, which are leading causes of maternal mortality among young mothers.
Beyond the physical dangers, child marriage strips girls of their agency, robbing them of the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to society and achieve their full potential.
It is particularly disheartening when educated men, who should be champions of progress and enlightenment, perpetuate this harmful practice by marrying underage girls.
These men often justify their actions with cultural norms or the desire to marry a “submissive” partner, but such justifications are rooted in weak-mindedness and a fear of empowered, educated women.
Imagine this: What if it were your own daughter being forced into marriage?
How would you feel knowing that her educational and social opportunities were stolen by someone who should know better?
These men are not just marrying young girls, they are stealing their futures.
To be continue tomorrow…..
By Thomas Makorou
