South Sudanese Youth Activists on Girls' Rights Amidst Conflict and Aid Cuts

Impact of Conflict on Girls and Women

• 💔 The conflict in South Sudan has severely impacted girls and women, leading to a significant number dropping out of school, with approximately 52% of girls out of school.
• 💔 Early marriage is a coping strategy for some girls, while others cannot afford school fees due to losing parents in the conflict.
• ⚠️ Gender-based violence, including sexual harassment and rape, are major consequences for women and girls during conflict.

Activists' Work and Priorities

• 📚 Key priorities include educating girls and parents on the consequences of early and enforced marriages.
• 👂 Activists encourage reporting of sexual violence cases to ensure survivors receive psychosocial support.
• 🤝 Work also involves raising awareness, providing counseling for victims of violence, and offering skills training for those who dropped out of school.

Effects of Foreign Aid Cuts

• 📉 US aid cuts, particularly the scrapping of foreign funding, have created a significant gap in support for essential services.
• 🏫 Many children who relied on organizational support for schooling, including schooling materials, have lost access.
• 🍎 Food security has been severely affected, leading to malnourishment among displaced citizens who depended on food support.

Call for International Support

• 🆘 Activists appeal to the international community for funding to support girls' education and provide skills training for those who dropped out.
• 🌍 There is a strong plea for the international community not to withdraw support from South Sudan, as the future of girls depends on continued assistance.
• 🤝 Global solidarity is crucial to prevent a withdrawal that creates a significant gap in girls achieving their dreams.