A national conversation about bride price in the South Sudanese diaspora is about to get underway, with Perth set to host the first in a series of community gatherings aimed at bridging generations and reshaping traditions.
The Beyond Bride Price initiative, led by Lead Beyond Education in partnership with SSI, will launch its 2026 national series in Western Australia on Saturday, 28 February. Dr Anyier Yuol is one of the organisers of this initiative and she describes it as “as a long-overdue opportunity for community members to come together and talk openly about a practice that remains deeply significant — and at times, deeply complex — for families navigating life between cultures“.
Dr Anyiel Yuol, speaker and community advocate
Bride price has long been a cornerstone of South Sudanese custom. But in the diaspora, the tradition has taken on new dimensions. Questions about its relevance, financial pressure on young couples, and the expectations placed on families have become increasingly difficult to ignore. The Beyond Bride Price gatherings are designed to bring those conversations into the open, not as a critique of tradition, but as a way of ensuring it evolves with the times.
The Perth event will feature a research presentation, an intergenerational panel discussion, and a community dialogue session where attendees are encouraged to share their own experiences and perspectives. There will also be cultural performances, including Loor Jieng — a traditional form of poetic chant — adding a layer of storytelling and celebration to the evening.
Organisers say the event is open to everyone — not just members of the South Sudanese community, but also the broader African diaspora and anyone interested in understanding how cultural practices adapt in a new land.
Following the Perth launch, the series will make its way to Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Adelaide over the course of 2026.
