The Lango Queen, Mrs. Margret Odongo Okune, wife of the Paramount Chief of Lango, Michael Odongo Okune, has warned parents against forcing their daughters into early marriages.
Margret Odongo Okune made the remarks yesterday while addressing students of Akalo Senior Secondary School during the commemoration of International Women’s Day in Kole District.
She noted that early marriage remains a major driver of gender-based domestic violence and contributes to family breakdowns. She urged parents to prioritize educating the girl child rather than pushing them into marriage at a young age.
The Lango Queen emphasized that education empowers girls with knowledge and opportunities that can help them build better futures. She also called for stronger efforts to promote girl-child education and to discourage harmful modern practices where some young girls are lured by wealthy men or engage in risky sexual behavior to earn money. She warned that such practices could expose them to sexually transmitted infections and other serious consequences.
She further advised young people to avoid negative peer groups associated with drug abuse, excessive alcohol consumption, and other harmful lifestyles that could destroy their future and lead to problems such as depression.
Meanwhile, the President of the Mother’s Union in the Diocese of West Lango, Canon Loyce Opeto, who represented the Bishop of the diocese during the event, said the church has intensified school outreach programs aimed at encouraging students, especially girls to remain in school.
She explained that the initiative is being carried out under the theme “Daughters of the King.”
The Deputy Headteacher of Akalo Senior Secondary School, Rosemary Alia, urged girls to abstain from sexual activity and focus on their education. She also appealed to both the government and parents to ensure that boys are equally included in guidance programs.
The school’s Senior Woman Teacher, Margaret Lucy Auma, revealed that the school currently has more girls enrolled than boys, attributing the trend to government efforts aimed at supporting and keeping girls in school.
International Women’s Day is commemorated every year on March 8 worldwide. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the importance of generosity, mentorship, and collaboration in accelerating gender equality and empowering women and girls in communities.
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