Participants attending a leadership forum for women in Rumbek town of Western Lakes State on Monday strongly condemned the various forms of violence against women in the state.
Elizabeth Stephen, a participant, told Radio Tamazuj that Western Lakes State has experienced cases of early and forced marriages in communities.
The forum, Elizabeth said, formed a five-member committee that was tasked to follow-up on donation of 500,000 SSP which President Salva Kiir pledged to women during his visit to Western Lakes State.
The committee is chaired by Agum Joseph Kuc with Ayor Chol Kuer, Martha Nyoth Maduot, Ajak Chagai and Mary Anyuang Deng as members.
Elizabeth urged parents not to force their daughters into early marriages.
Also discussed during the forum were matters regarding the rights of women and sexual violence.
Alewia Enock Machiek, a participant, said insecurity and issues of sexual and gender-based violence in the state were discussed.
30 women attended the forum supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).