South Sudan Minister for Gender, Child, and Social Welfare has called on local communities across the country to discourage the practice of early marriages and instead invest in the education of girls.
Speaking in Juba on Friday during the commemoration of the International Women’s Day, Awut Deng Acuil said the fight against early and forced marriages is the responsibility of everyone.
She added that the practice which is commonplace in many communities across South Sudan is a major hindrance to girl child education.
"Eventually they will get married, but when they grow up and complete their education. This is our responsibility and we have to support the girls as the future of the country," she explained.
Minister Awut stressed that local chiefs and elders should be at the forefront in this fight, a common practice in different communities across the country.