South Sudan Women Empowerment Network or SSWEN on Thursday sought for amendments to harmful customs and traditions including forced and early marriages in the country.
SSWEN Administration and Human Resource Officer Sarah Abeja said traditional legislation was contradicting the Transitional Constitution on enactment of law to fight harmful customs and traditions.
She pointed out that such articles were loopholes for manipulation by traditionalists who marry girls at puberty age.
Associate Professor of Community Studies in the University of Juba Alfred Sebit Lokuji said cases were practices not constitutional loopholes.
He said the constitutional provisions were appropriate because they were flexible, not rigid.
Professor Lokuji added that the provisions were subject to interpretation.
He urged people to regularly review the Constitution.
Legislator Mary Puru Michael told CRN that education was the only solution to cultural barriers and correct understanding.
The public debate on customary law attracted many people including lawyers, activists and faith-based organizations.
Panelists from National Constitution Review Commission, National Democratic Institute and Law Society recommended further civic education on the constitution.