Child marriage in South Sudan is a major problem, with 48% of girls aged 15-19 being married. Some girls are as young as twelve when they get married.
Child marriage widens the gender gaps for education and economic progress. Only 39% of primary students and 30% of secondary students are girls. It also threatens the wellbeing of girls, making them more susceptible to violence and abuse, and hurts their health.
There isn't enough protection for girls who try to get out of marriages or avoid getting married in the first place. South Sudan needs to uphold the rights of girls to only be in consensual marriages and to have access to education and support. 18 should be the minimum age for marriage.
Please tell South Sudan to end child marriage!
Dear South Sudan Government,
48% of girls aged 15-19 are married, with some as young as 12 being married. Many, if not most of these, are nonconsensual marriages.
Child marriage makes it difficult for girls to continue their education, with only 39% of primary students and 30% of secondary students being female. It also hurts their health and puts them at risk for abuse and violence.
Girls need to be protected from child marriages and should have access to education, support, and the right to only be in consensual marriages at the minimum age of 18.
Please end child marriage. Thank you for your time.
