By Engr. Maker Mangol Acien Yuol
As girl child education becomes less in South Sudan, it is very crucial to be encouraged and advocated for such that young girls develop and continue with societal advancement of education. They contribute to stronger families, communities, and economies of the country while understanding and accessing healthcare services, leading to healthier lives and pregnancies during their birth and fewer maternal and infant deaths.
Education equips them with the skills and knowledge to participate in the formal labor market, making informed decisions about their future, earning higher incomes, and contributing to household income. Educated girls are more likely to participate in political processes while building strong political positions serving people fairly as they are less corrupt compared with men.
Education empowers girls to make their own choices about marriage and family planning, delaying marriage and reducing the risk of early pregnancies. Educated women are more likely to educate their children, breaking the cycle of poverty and creating opportunities for future generations. Education promotes gender equality by empowering girls and giving them the same opportunities as boys.
Perhaps our girls in South Sudan face difficulties as poverty and traditional gender roles can prevent them from accessing education. Insufficient resources, qualified teachers, and relevant curriculum can hinder girls’ educational outcomes. If there are no good teachers and relevant curriculum that defines the learnings isn’t developed, they will not learn well thus they will be dropping out from schools.
Conflict and violence can disrupt education and put girls at risk as girls may face discrimination in schools and communities, limiting their educational opportunities and so many other hindrances.
The Government of South Sudan and organizations must invest in education infrastructure, teacher training, and educational resources and girl child programs. Addressing gender stereotypes and promoting gender equality in all aspects of life can help ensure girls have equal access to education. Poverty reduction initiatives can create a more conducive environment for girls to access education, as well as conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts can help ensure girls are safe and able to attend schools.
Providing access to mental health support and addressing issues like early marriage and sexual violence can help girls thrive in schools.
Most of our communities in South Sudan are not putting girls in schools because girls get spoiled in schools easily while they bring resources in their families. There are too many assumptions with some boys (men) and some elders that educated ladies are not good wife materials as they compete in the families with their men in terms of everything of the family.
Most of our educated ladies are not married today because of this, and yet some make a good wife in their homes. This mindset has to be removed and promote girl child education in our families, communities, and society at large while promoting some awareness of the importance of girls in this country pointing out everything and supporting girls in our communities.