In South Sudan, young girls face numerous challenges in their education and personal lives. From early marriage to societal expectations, girls often struggle to complete their education and achieve their full potential. However, a group of female students is challenging women leaders to care for young girls and provide them with the support they need to succeed.
One of the biggest challenges facing young girls in South Sudan is early marriage. According to UNICEF, 52% of girls in South Sudan are married before the age of 18, and 9% are married before the age of 15. Early marriage often leads to the end of a girl’s education, as she is expected to stay at home and take care of her husband and children. This perpetuates a cycle of poverty and limits the opportunities available to girls and women in the country.
Another challenge facing young girls in South Sudan is access to education. According to UNESCO, only 40% of girls in South Sudan are enrolled in primary school, and only 1% of girls are enrolled in secondary school. This is due to a lack of resources, as well as cultural attitudes towards girls’ education. Many families believe that girls’ primary role is to get married and have children, and therefore do not prioritize their education.
Despite these challenges, a group of female students in South Sudan is calling on women leaders to take action and provide support for young girls. These students believe that women leaders have the power to change attitudes towards girls’ education and provide resources to help girls succeed.
One of these students is Mary, a 17-year-old girl who is passionate about education. Mary grew up in a small village in South Sudan and faced many challenges in her education, including a lack of resources and early marriage. However, she persevered and is now a high school student with plans to attend university.
Mary believes that women leaders can make a difference in the lives of young girls by providing them with mentorship, resources, and support. She is calling on women leaders to prioritize girls’ education and to work towards ending early marriage.
Another student, Amani, is also passionate about girls’ education. Amani grew up in a refugee camp in South Sudan and faced many challenges in her education, including a lack of resources and discrimination. However, she persevered and is now a high school student with plans to attend university.
Amani believes that women leaders can make a difference in the lives of young girls by providing them with access to education and resources. She is calling on women leaders to work towards ending discrimination against girls and to provide resources to help them succeed.
These students are part of a larger movement in South Sudan that is working towards gender equality and girls’ education. By speaking out and challenging women leaders to care for young girls, they are helping to create a brighter future for girls in the country.
