The ‘Demand Side’ of Child Marriage

In South Sudan, child marriage is often positioned as a cultural practice tied to conflict and displacement well gender norms affirming that girls should marry. Based on findings of multi-sectoral assessment conducted by Save the Children in Rumbek, Torit, Malualkon, Bor Kapoeta, our paper draws attention multiple, connected drivers marriage. Drawing specifically related marriage, we suggest need understand context cycles poverty inter-clan fighting. many communities, cattle form basis for ‘bride price’, driving raiding, due pressure males The ability pay bride price may be an indicator manhood some pastoralist communities Sudan. We while humanitarian interventions tend fixate empowering or addressing face, less placed ‘demand side’ – pushing boys men marry girls. Our emphasises importance tackling from both perspective within broader improving livelihoods