Forced, Early Marriage Part of “old mentality” to Denounce: Catholic Bishop in South Sudan

“Education makes the impossible possible because one can be able to think positively,” he said, and added, “Educated people usually think for a better tomorrow, that's why I challenge these young people to work hard to achieve quality education.”

According to the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA), more than 10 girls are forced into marriage every week in South Sudan, and over 50% of all girls in the East-Central African nation are married before the age of 18, which leads to many of these girls dropping out of school.

In his address during the May 30 visit to Bishop Sisto Mazzoldi Primary and Secondary Schools, Bishop Napeta said many girls who are forced into early marriages are exposed challenges, including domestic violence.

“When you force your child into early marriage, she may be irresponsible,” he said, and explained, “She may not be able to handle her home or even speak to the people of the community.”

The South Sudanese Catholic Bishop appealed to parents to take care of their children until they are mature and responsible members of society. 

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He said, “We have to take care of our children because those who are promoting forced and early marriages are preventing the bright future of young girls in South Sudan.”

Bishop Napeta also appealed to pupils and students in South Sudan “to work hard for their future” by investing their time in formal education. 

Patrick Juma Wani is a South Sudanese journalist with a great zeal and interest for Catholic Church related communication. Patrick holds a Diploma in Journalism and Mass Communication from Makerere Institute for Social Development (MISD) in Uganda. He has over 7 years of extensive experience in leading the development and implementation of media, advocacy, communication and multimedia strategy and operations, with an excellent track record of editorial leadership, budget management, and stakeholder outreach. He currently works as a Journalist for ACI Africa.