JUBA, South Sudan, Nov. 7 – Young women in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, are grappling with growing societal pressures and safety concerns as transactional relationships have become a survival strategy for many. Since South Sudan gained independence in 2011, young women in urban areas have voiced their frustrations with city life, where economic hardship and limited job opportunities have forced some into risky exchanges of sex for money, goods, or services.
Two young women recently spoke with the Juba Mirror about the challenges of being both young and financially vulnerable in the city. “For many poor women, exchanging sex for money has become the way of life,” one of them said, adding that while the financial support they receive helps meet their basic needs, it often comes with its own set of dangers. “Some partners refuse to use condoms, putting us at risk,” she said.
Estimating the number of women engaged in transactional relationships remains challenging, as the situation is often shrouded in stigma and complex dynamics, including long-term relationships or even marriages that involve an element of financial dependency. Many young women report feeling trapped in these arrangements, leading to emotional and physical distress.
One young woman, who asked to remain anonymous, recounted being physically abused by a partner after insisting on condom use for her safety. “I asked him to go to the hospital for a health check or use protection,” she explained. “But he refused and then beat me up.”
The challenges faced by women in Juba highlight an urgent need for better economic opportunities, health resources, and protections against abuse.
