“It’s time to change the narrative. Using Art, drama, poems are ways to share messages that words can't complete. Women and girls go through worst times of their lives like and worsen when there’s conflict, dealing with gender-based violence and other harmful practices in communities; but it’s time for us to Love without hurting or making others suffer in the name of love” – Ms Lydia Zigomo, UNFPA East and Southern Regional Director said during the celebration of Valentine’s Day

Those were powerful words from Ms Lydia Zigomo, the Regional Director for East and Southern Africa to over 300 youth who gathered to celebrate Valentine’s Day organized by UNFPA South Sudan. It was a moment to learn and unlearn other social norms in a show dubbed “Lost in Love” showcasing the cultural practices that harmful but done in the name of love.

The event was characterized with music, dance and Drama, all re-echoing positive masculinity, advocating for a society free of Gender Based Violence, and ending child marriage.

Poet Mandela Matur also known as Ade, wowed the crowd with his poem “Shadow half” where he dwelled on domestic violence, intimate partner violence and conflict,” Love is not violent, rather you do not show love /affection by beating or perpetrating violence, Ade adds.

UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. Olajide Ademola, urged the youth in South Sudan change the status quo to address the negative social norms.

“The young people have the knowledge, the energy, and the creativity to tackle negative social norms. We can and must change the narrative starting with youth to make conducive environment for everyone to thrive in the societies” Dr. Olajide Ademola said.

Ms. Lydia Zigomo thanked UNFPA for thinking critically to tap into energies of the young people to drive positive change in Society stressing that UNFPA will continue to support and work with the young people to shape and change society through areas of Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights as well peace.

 

“The culture that love must hurt through physical beating can be changed, the only time when love hurts should be when a woman loses a loved one, love endures and understands, we will  support and empower the young, and we will be working on an agenda for empowerment throughout the country ,not only in cities so that no one is left behind” said Ms. Lydia Zigomo.

The event, Lost in Love engaged the youth with information, educative, entertainment with responsible lifestyle, ending GBV, and child marriage role play that caught everyone’s attention and commitment

Dr Ademola urged the young to live meaningfully, be responsible citizens, make right decisions and choices in their lives to be able to attain their full potential.

“Today young people have the power to choose, so please do rightfully! South Sudan has talents beyond what people out there think, let’s show the world. Make the right choices for the good of South Sudan and Africa as a whole” Dr Ademola urged.

The fun filled event involved sharing key of  “In The name of Love” messages through music and interaction with the young people. Ms. Zigomo spared no time as she was pulled on to an energized dance with the young people and gestures of love shared among participants to show that love shouldn’t hurt but be peaceful and respectful. She pledged UNFPA’s commitment to support the young people in South Sudan.