Women activists in Yei River county of Central Equatoria State have called for concerted efforts to protect the girl child during the coronavirus pandemic period.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj last Thursday, Juan Margret, an education official in the defunct Yei River State said parents, teachers, community leaders and other stakeholders should develop a robust approach towards protection of girls in society.

 “There are ongoing rumours by men and people with money outside there that schoolgirls should get married before the end of the COVID-19 period. I want to tell the community that this is a total lie aimed at confusing girls. We want our girls to remain focused and study hard to take future leadership roles in this country,” said Juan.

Hawa Adams, a women activist, said rumours circulating about schoolgirls in society are misleading and should be ignored. She urged the government to enact laws to protect schoolgirls.

“What we want from the government is that any person, whether a teacher or an employee, found guilty of impregnating a schoolgirl must be arrested and punished in court so that girls are protected from unwanted pregnancy and early marriages,” Hawa stressed.

The activist said increasing cases of early pregnancy were being recorded due to coronavirus lockdown measures.

Article 17 of the South Sudan constitution defines a child as anyone under the age of 18, and further states that the best interests of the child will be protected in all matters related to his or her life.