Let’s change the picture!
Child marriage threatens the lives, well-being, and futures of girls. Together we can end it.
Child marriage: a threat to the lives and future of girls in South Sudan.
Child marriage is a tragic reality for both girls and boys, but it disproportionately affects girls, depriving them of their basic rights and, for some, even their lives.
South Sudan has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with over half of girls married before 18 years old. This is due to discriminatory social norms, cultural taboos, poverty, and a lack of access to basic services that also contribute to gender inequality. It is a grave violation of children's rights, and it must end now.
I did not want to be married, not at that age
Child marriage continues to be an unresolved and serious issue in South Sudan, impacting girls in many ways, including their right to life and development to their full potential. Zabib, a South Sudanese woman’s rights activist and Executive Director of the Women for Justice and Equality (WOJE) organization, fearlessly fights against child marriage and has had an amazing impact in her community. Here is her story
Health implications
Child marriage has a profound impact on the health of young girls, often leading to devastating consequences that can last a lifetime. The physical, emotional, and mental toll of being forced into marriage at a young age and early motherhood is immense and cannot be understated. Moreover, child marriage often leads to limited access to education and economic opportunities for girls, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and dependence. This lack of empowerment further exacerbates the health risks faced by young brides, isolates girls from family and friends, and excludes them from participating in their communities.
What will it take to end child marriage in South Sudan?
When I was younger, things were different. I would sit right there and daydream until the sun went down.
UNICEF is working with the Government of South Sudan to implement the National Strategic Action Plan (2017–2030) to end child marriage by 2030. Together with partners, UNICEF South Sudan is promoting positive social norms through community and youth programmes, education, community engagement, and involving political, religious, and community leaders, whose commitment is an essential part of ending the harmful practice.
Saving the dreams
Education plays a crucial role in equipping girls with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue their dreams, gain economic independence. Education contributes to lowering child marriage. The more time a girl spends in the classroom, the greater the reduction in risk of child marriage. Providing quality education for one girl not only delays marriage for the individual but also for the generations of girls and women that will follow her, as women with education will likely invest in the health and education of their children and are more likely to value schooling. In addition girls with access to quality education, can be empowered to make informed decisions explore various career paths, and build a strong foundation for their future.
Together we can #EndChildMarriage
In a powerful display of unity and advocacy, different influential voices from various backgrounds are coming together to call for an end to child marriage in South Sudan. This collaborative effort aims to raise awareness, spark conversations, and drive meaningful action towards policy change that will eradicate this harmful practice.
Progress is not possible without a collective investment in women and girls. UNICEF in South Sudan would like to thank the Government of Canada, UKAID, USAID and the World Bank for supporting our common goal to end child marriage. Together we are also providing education, skills and opportunities that boost children’s confidence and help them become the next generation of engaged citizens, entrepreneurs and leaders.
We all have a role to play in ending child marriage. Share the voices of children on social media and add yours.
