Leading the Effort to Prevent Early Child Marriage as a Community Leader in Bentiu
Elizabeth, a community leader in Site B of Bentiu, South Sudan, has taken on the challenge of preventing early child marriage, a pressing issue in her community. Displaced by the 2021 floods, Elizabeth, along with nearly 9,200 others in Site B, faced the hardships of life in a displacement sites. Instead of merely adapting to these challenges, she became an advocate for protecting young girls from early marriage, a practice that has worsened under the economic pressures of displacement in South Sudan.
Lakoyo Shakira
Posted on 14 Oct 2024
Many displaced families, struggling with poverty, view early marriage as a way to alleviate financial burdens. However, Elizabeth works tirelessly to change this mindset, providing alternative solutions and keeping young girls in school.
This year alone, she has successfully intervened in four cases of early marriage, offering practical support to the families involved.
Elizabeth’s approach is deeply rooted in her understanding of her community’s cultural and social dynamics. Growing up in the same environment, she has a wealth of traditional knowledge, which she uses to engage families with empathy and respect.
Her insights into local customs allow her to connect meaningfully, ensuring her interventions resonate with those she serves.
The training Elizabeth has received through the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), supported by USAID, has further enhanced her abilities.
These programs have built on her traditional knowledge, equipping her with skills in conflict resolution, communication, and community engagement.
DRC’s capacity-building initiatives recognize the value of local expertise, supporting community leaders like Elizabeth to lead change from within.
Elizabeth’s approach, blending her cultural understanding with her enhanced skills, involves offering families alternatives to early marriage.
She connects them with resources to keep their daughters in school and promotes economic empowerment by encouraging women to join the Women and Girls Friendly Centers.
These centers offer activities like tailoring courses and sewing, providing families with options that do not involve pushing their daughters into early marriage. Her work is collaborative, ensuring that families feel heard and supported.
Living in the same site as those she serves has also made Elizabeth an effective leader. The shared experience of displacement builds trust, allowing her to engage with families on a personal level.
Her neighbors know she understands their struggles, making them more willing to listen and consider alternative solutions.
“I live in this community, so when I talk to people, they know I understand what they’re going through,” she says. “That makes them more willing to listen.”
There’s still a lot to be done. But every time we help a girl stay in school or prevent an early marriage, it’s a step in the right direction.
/ Elizabeth Nyuoth Paul
Through her empathetic approach, Elizabeth has helped families explore other options and empowered them to make informed decisions.
Rather than imposing solutions, she creates a safe space for dialogue, allowing families to come to their own conclusions about what’s best for their daughters.
This trust-based method has been instrumental in preventing early marriages and resolving conflicts before they escalate.
Beyond her individual efforts, Elizabeth has inspired other women in the community to take on leadership roles.
The leadership training she received has not only benefited her work but also allowed her to mentor others.
By building a network of female leaders, Elizabeth is helping to expand efforts to prevent early marriage and address other challenges faced by women and girls in Site B.
“There are many strong women in this camp who want to make a difference,” Elizabeth says. “By working together, we can support each other and create lasting change.”
This growing network of female leaders is crucial in addressing a broader range of issues beyond early marriage, including education, health, and economic empowerment.
By sharing their knowledge and resources, these women are creating a supportive community that can tackle multiple challenges.
Although Elizabeth has seen success in preventing early marriages in four cases this year, she knows the work is far from complete.
The ongoing displacement, compounded by limited resources, continues to put pressure on families.
However, she remains committed to the cause, understanding that each step forward, no matter how small, contributes to long-term change.
Looking ahead, Elizabeth plans to continue working closely with families, ensuring they have the resources and support needed to keep their daughters in school.
Through her dedication and leadership, Elizabeth is making a lasting impact on her community, helping to create a future where girls are empowered to pursue education and opportunities, free from the pressures of early marriage.
The training has given me more confidence and added more knowledge to the previous that I had. I am able to approach difficult situations and the skills to find solutions. To me It’s not just about preventing early marriages but finding practical ways to support these families.
