An MP representing Magwi County at the National Assembly called upon parents not to charge high prices for allowing their daughters to marry because they reduce the dignity of woman to the level of property.
Beatrice Abbe said all women desired to be equal with men irrespective of some conditions, Bakhita Radio reported.She warned men not to think that they own a woman because they paid a bride price.
The MP explained that the dowry is a token of appreciation to the in-laws for raising his wife.
Mrs Abbe said charging a high dowry was not good because it deprived the husband of resources to look after his wife and family.
She explained that although the practice is cultural, the society will gradually get transformed and changes it.
Ms Abbe was speaking to reporters after the official launch of a one-weeklong celebration of the International Women Day in South Sudan.
The President of the Republic Salva Kiir, the SPLM Secretary General Pagan AMum and Rebecca Nyandeng, wife of the late leader John Garang, will attend the candle lit ceremony.
Women will participate in talk shows in the local Radios and TVs to advocate for women’s rights.
SPLM Deputy Secretary General Anne Itto encouraged women in the next week to ask the Government to provide a conducive environment for investment, cultivation and business in order to discourage food insecurity in the country.