Viola Luka, Advocate for Women and Equity Organization. (Photo: Madrama James/Eye Radio)

An advocate has appealed to parents and guardians to allow their girls to study and finish school instead of forcing them into marriage to acquire wealth.

Viola Luka, Advocate at the Women and Equity Organization said illiteracy among some parents in South Sudan is still hindering efforts to combat Gender Based Violence in the country.

Ms. Luka said although the country annually commemorates the 16 days of activism against GBV, more needs to be done to educate people at the grassroots level.

Viola said her organization has handled many cases in which families force their young daughters to marry older men in exchange for wealth.

She said cases of forced marriage are rampant in different parts of the country while no action is being taken.

The advocate calls on parents to allow their girls to finish school instead of using them to acquire material gains.

“I’m urging people to allow their children go schools, whether there’s resources or not,” she said in Juba, during the commemoration of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women and Girls.

Viola said parents should take an example from her, as she came from a poor family background.

“I Viola came from a very poor family background, but my mother took me to school, God willingly I finished my studies and now I’m working.”

“Keep on pressing harder to get your rights, and one day God will open for your ways to his blessings to the extend you’ll not even believe that it was you who had gone through difficult moments in life way back.”

“For this is my message especially to all the family, they should take care of their children to study, no matter what conditions you’re going through, your children must go to school.”