Community leaders in Kuda Boma of Juba County have raised alarm over a surge in cases of child abuse, early marriage, and sexual violence affecting girls and women in the area.
Speaking during a community engagement, Grace Kani, a women’s leader in Kuda, strongly condemned the rising incidents, warning that young girls are now living in constant fear.
“Fourteen years is not the age for marriage,” she said.
“Our girls can not even go to the forest to collect firewood. If they go, they risk being raped. This has created fear among our children.”
Kani called on the government to take urgent action, revealing that at least five girls and two elderly women in the community have recently been raped.
She also shared her personal ordeal, saying her own daughter was among the victims.
“As a mother, my daughter was raped. It has caused me deep pain until today.
She was supposed to join high school, but now I am forced to take care of her and her child,” she said.
Kani further appealed for support to improve education in the area, noting that although schools exist, they face a severe shortage of teachers.
“We need teachers to come and support our children who are in school,” she added.
In a separate interview, local resident Michael Kenyi attributed the rise in early marriages to poverty and limited access to education.
“Some girls run into early marriages because their parents can not afford to educate them,” he said. “Others are influenced by bad peer groups and do not listen to their parents.”
Kenyi urged parents to take greater responsibility for their children despite financial challenges, and to ensure girls return home safely after school.
The concerns were raised during the official groundbreaking ceremony for the Kuda Women and Girls Friendly Space, a project under the UNMISS Quick Impact Projects (2025–2026) initiative.
The project is being implemented by Vine for Hope Africa organisation in partnership with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in Central Equatoria State.
The Program Manager of Vine of Hope Africa, Wilson Emmanuel, urged community members to take ownership of the facility and ensure its protection once completed.
Nancy Aldokovach, a Women’s Rights Officer under the Civil Society Development Programme, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in empowering women and improving community safety.
She noted that similar projects implemented in areas such as Terugop, Fanga, Gondokoro, and Mangaba have had positive impacts by equipping women with skills and economic opportunities.
“This is not just a structure,” Aldokovach said. “It represents safety and protection for women and girls. When women gain skills like tailoring or hairdressing, they can earn income, support their families, and participate in decision-making.”
She also highlighted the broader challenges facing South Sudan, including insecurity, displacement, and limited access to resources, which disproportionately affect women.
“When an opportunity like this comes, it should be embraced,” she urged.
“The impact will be seen in homes, communities, and across the nation.”
Community members expressed hope that the new facility will provide a safer environment and practical support for women and girls in Kuda Boma, while also addressing the root causes of abuse and vulnerability.
