Photo: (UNICEF SouthSudan/Chol).

The U.S. government recalls hardships facing girls in South Sudan and urges the transitional government to initiate policies that help young women achieve their dreams, as the world marks International Day of the Girl.

In a press statement, U.S. Embassy paid tribute to the “courageous” South Sudanese girls and young women, some of whom it said are already engaging in initiatives to break barriers that hold them back in society.

“Girls and women deserve a prosperous and secure future, free from gender-based violence and discrimination,” the embassy said.

The statement underscored Washington’s continued support to help girls remain in school in South Sudan and acquire skills and knowledge through funding from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).

This support, the diplomatic mission said, is provided to empower girls so that they and their families lead healthier, productive and peaceful lives.

“We call on the transitional government to actively address the challenges faced by girls to fulfill their dreams of becoming changemakers, innovators, entrepreneurs, service members, activists, and responsible citizens.”

The U.S. government said it is committed to helping girls to actively take part in achieving a peaceful future that opens opportunities for them and all South Sudanese people.

“This should be a future marked by peace, human rights, democracy, and a government responsive to its people’s needs.”

Girls in South Sudan face enormous challenges including gender inequality, poverty, and early marriage, among others, according to aid agencies.

The country accounts for the second highest prevalence case of Gender Based Violence in the East African region, according to a survey by the UN’s population agency, UNFPA.

Women activists in South Sudan have been advocating for the adoption of an Anti-GBV bill that was drafted in 2019 and is widely seen as an opportunity to address violence against women and girls.

But since the bill was submitted to the National Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs in 2020 for modification and presentation in parliament, it has yet to be tabled before the legislature four years on.

Various stakeholders and women’s rights groups have persistently urged for its enactment.

Controversial aspects such as customary marriages and the recognition of marital rape have prolonged deliberations on the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Bill, as disclosed by a member of parliament.