By Anak Dut

Debora Adut Maker, a Safeguarding Officer at the Disabled Agency for Rehabilitation and Development (DARD), narrates how she survived being married at an early age

Debora is one out of many young South Sudanese women who face early and forced marriage in their communities across the country.

“I am a survivor of forced marriage. The first one occurred when I was in Senior 1 as my relatives wanted me to be married off,” she said.

“They did not see value in educating girls. On multiple occasions, they tried to convince my dad to marry me off, but he turned them down.”

Debora who is now working as an assistant lecturer at the University of Rumbek Science and Technology are said one time her relatives arranged for her marriage without her knowledge.

“I was surprised when I went home for the holiday and found everything was done.”

“In 2014, the same arrangement of marriage was done when I was at school in my senior 4 and at this point, my father was overpowered by my uncles that he nearly gave in but later decided to support me,” Debora recounted.

She said she struggled for days with the stress of being married to someone that she didn’t love, and the fact that I had to be taken out of school.

She continued that this time again her father stood firm for her until she was able to return to school after the holiday

“I returned to school while all the students were on Christmas break. Loreto (school) and my dad gave me the support I needed the most at that time. They stood with me until that case was closed.”

Debora joined Loreto Rumbek in 2012 and completed her secondary education in April 2016.

“My journey with Loreto Rumbek started way back in 2012 when I was admitted to Senior 1,” she said.

Debora continued that she had been disturbed by the trauma of being picked out of school anytime for marriage.

“At some points, I went through a difficult time and thought I wouldn’t make it, but I overcame all the struggles because of Sister Orla (nun), who was always there for me.”

She said the religious sisters supported her through her toughest times as since her school fees were being paid by well-wishers.

 “I am grateful to everyone who stood with me during that traumatic moment,” Debora said.

She called on the young and ambitious South Sudanese women not to give up on their dreams

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world with commitment and determination, and not be afraid to stand up for what you believe in.”