By Gaaniko Jackson
Young women in Yambio are demanding urgent action to address challenges preventing girls from accessing education.
As the world marks Women’s Month, they are calling on the government and policymakers to pass the Western Equatoria State Girl Child Education Bill and invest in education infrastructure, vocational training, and reproductive health services.
Speaking to journalists in Yambio, Bernadita Ipaigban, a youth activist, highlighted teenage pregnancies and early marriages as the biggest obstacles forcing girls out of school.
“Many girls drop out because of early pregnancies and child marriages. The lack of reproductive health services and economic hardships make the situation even worse,” she said.
She added that cultural beliefs and financial struggles often lead families to prioritize boys’ education over girls, making it even harder for young women to complete school.
Night Agnes Wani, Gender Officer at the Christian Agency for Peace and Development (CAPaD), pointed out that the lack of vocational training opportunities also leaves many young women without skills to support themselves.
“Without practical skills, young women are left with few options for employment or financial independence. This cycle of poverty and dependence continues because they do not get the education and training they need,” she said.
Young women in Yambio are pushing for the passage of the Girl Child Education Bill, which would legally protect their right to education and set policies against early marriages.
They also want more investment in school infrastructure, teacher training, and learning materials, especially in rural areas.
Improved reproductive health services are also a key concern, as they believe better healthcare access would reduce early pregnancies and maternal health risks.
Their advocacy efforts are gaining momentum, with the Girl Child Education Bill now being discussed in the State Legislative Assembly.
If passed, it would provide a legal framework to strengthen education policies for girls across Western Equatoria.
Reacting to the demands, Acting Governor Daniel Badagbu Rimbasa pledged his commitment to advancing girls’ education.
“We will work with partners to protect the rights of young women and girls. The Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare will prioritize improving education for girls in Western Equatoria State,” he said.
He emphasized that girls’ education is vital for the state’s future, promising to ensure that more young women remain in school and gain the skills they need to succeed.
As Women’s Month continues, young women in Yambio remain determined to fight for change.
They insist that education is not a privilege but a right, and they are urging authorities to act now to secure a better future for all girls in Western Equatoria State.