Gender authorities in Kapoeta State urged the people of the State to give priority attention to ending early marriage and promote girl child education.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, Maria John, Director General of the Minister of Gender in Kapoeta said they have received 12 cases of forced marriages, eight rape cases and assault cases over the last four months in the state.
“There are 10 HIV/AIDS reported cases of child mothers and five reported cases of abandoned infants,” Maria said.
“We do not want to subject our young girls to forced marriages and many of them have not yet reached 18 years old. In this case, we need to engage all leaders of our communities through workshops or seminars so that they become awareness about Gender-Based Violence in our communities in the state,” she added.
The government official called on the leaders to fight against Gender-Based Violence in Kapoeta State.
Health officials declined to comment on the matter.