One girl, one school, One village, at a time to end child marriage – a commitment that everyone should make to create a difference for the girls in communities in South Sudan. It will not be easy, it will not be quick but let no mistake be made because everyone can put an effort to support girls and end child marriage.

Creating innovative ways to engage decision makers, community leaders, and young people to raise awareness on dangers of child marriage, football was found to be fun but also targeting hundreds of people at the same time. It is an opportunity to show the community that girls are able to do what boys can do if given an opportunity.

Girls playing football in a campaign to end child marriage in Lakes State

UNFPA in South Sudan took lead to support the first-ever campaign to end early child marriage in the state dubbed “Act Now to End Child Marriage” organized by Kulang Foundation through a football match by the girls. The event attended by the Governor of Lakes State, government officials, community leaders, young boys and girls.

Hon. Lt. Gen. Rin Tueny Mabor, the Governor of Lakes State has been at the forefront in ending child marriage by passing a law in the state that outlaws child and forced marriage. During the launch, the Governor directed state residents to strongly stand up against early and forced child marriage.

“Ending child marriage in our​​ state is very important and the responsibility of everyone in the country, especially here. Each and every one should stand up to fight such practice, especially the parents,” said Mabor at Rumbek Freedom Square.

The Governor added that public awareness of the provisions of the Act came at the right time when the State parliament passed a Bill to protect the rights of children, including prohibiting child marriage.

Photo 2: Group photo of officials committing to end child marriage

Meanwhile, Gatwech Peter Kulang, the Chairperson of the Kulang Foundation Inc. said that the awareness is to recognize the unique challenges that South Sudanese girls face.

“It will also address strengthening the capacity of local stakeholders to act as change agents and will fully engage the stakeholders in advocacy and communication efforts as champion child marriage preventers.”

Though the state government has enacted various laws to prevent child marriages, Kulang believed that this was just the beginning of the journey together to support a bigger course.

“Our message to your effort on child marriage is that ending the practice would lead to better prospects for young girls: improved educational, household incomes; reduced incidence of intimate partner violence; and more decision-making power,” he added.

The girls who get married at a young age are robbed of the opportunity to fulfil their potential. Child marriage can lead to further isolation from family, friends, and communities, and threaten girls’ livelihood and health.