In South Sudan, harmful cultural norms and traditions still view girls primarily as a source of wealth for their families through marriage. The promise of bride price—often measured in hundreds of cattle—can push families to marry off their daughters at a very young age.

Combined with deep economic hardship, these pressures stand in the way of many girls’ dreams.

Instead of growing up in school and discovering their potential, they are confronted with practices such as early and forced marriage, and limited opportunities for education and personal development.

These injustices not only silence their voices but also rob communities of the future contributions these girls could make as leaders, professionals, and agents of change.

But young people are speaking up and in solidarity with the people of South Sudan we have been responding to these challenges!

Through vocational training programs, youth are gaining practical skills that enable them to start small businesses and become self-reliant.

Women are being empowered through training in agriculture, food production, and animal farming, allowing many families to improve their livelihoods and rebuild their dignity. These initiatives have already transformed many lives.

But this alone cannot bring about change as many people in the wider community remain unaware of the long-term harm caused by early and forced marriage.

This is where community awareness and public dialogue is essential and radio is a tool for education, advocacy, and community transformation! 

Magret Gaytano Radio Journalist Don-Bosco.

Talk show hosts, Magret, Joseph & Emmanuel are creating a platform for young people to take ownership of their own lives and more importantly giving voice for those who cannot speak for themselves.

Through radio programs such as “Girls Learning Their Own Worth (GLOW)”, the Jesuit mission in South Sudan is creating space for discussions about girls’ education, human rights, and the dignity of women.

These programs not only highlight the impact and progress already made but also encourage communities to rethink harmful traditions and support girls in pursuing education.

At the grassroots level, communities still face many challenges. Basic services such as clean water, roads, and electricity remain scarce.

These limitations also restrict access to information, leaving many families without the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about health, education, and child protection.

A radio jingle recorded by girls from Deng Nile Primary School, members of the Girls’ Education Movement (GEM) Club is broadcasted across the country.  The club encourages girls to speak out for their rights and support one another in staying in school.

Their voices have become a powerful reminder to the community that girls deserve the chance to learn, grow, and shape their own futures.

Joseph Manyang, Radio Journalist. Good News Radio, Rumbek. Talk show hosts take questions & community phone calls.

“Our parents, we are begging you, not surprising you.
Send your children to school for a better future.
Forced marriage is bad, early marriage is bad.
Let girls study first, marriage later.”

Empowerment in this way is paving the way for women and girls to take ownership of their own lives, amplifying one another and sharing stories which can break down barriers to skill-training and education.

“It is a powerful platform for awareness, dialogue, and social change. By amplifying the voices of girls themselves, radio programs help communities reflect on their traditions, challenge harmful practices, and promote dignity, equality, and protection for women, girls, and other vulnerable groups.

We are not only sharing information—we are planting seeds of transformation, helping communities see that when girls are educated and protected, the entire society benefits”

– Emmanuel Loboka, Communications officer with the Jesuit Development Office of South Sudan.

You can do something amazing and help support the education of girls who are overcoming major challenges.

Thanks to support like yours, girls are being empowered to dream bigger & through radio projects like GLOW – they can know they are not alone.

Donate to our Red Chair Education fund and transform the lives of girls in South Sudan today.