Grand Debaters’ Association with support from UN Women on Monday conducted public debate on the culture of dowry and its implications on gender-based violence in South Sudan.
The public debate brought together secondary students, state government officials, youth and other NGOs representatives at Rumbek University.
Chadrack Bol Machok, State Minister of Information says the culture of dowry has created a social barrier among communities of South Sudan.
Rumbek University Vice Chancellor, Professor Aggrey Ayuen Majok says the culture of dowry is rooted in the history and culture of Dinka as pastoralists.
He says dowry is used by any tribe depends on its historical background and cultures.
Professor Ayuen disagrees with the belief that the culture of dowry is connected with gender-based violence in the Dinka community.
The Vice Chancellor says gender-based violence is connected with approach used by the concerned parties and dowry becomes a problem when the girl is married off without her consent.
Abdullahi Sheriff UNMISS Gender Officer says dowry becomes a problem when it is used negatively.