From a personal perspective, the bride price tradition in South Sudan has deeply impacted many families and communities in ways that deserve thoughtful consideration. Initially, bride price was intended as a token of appreciation and a symbol of unity between two families coming together in matrimony. However, the current practice has become highly transactional, sometimes leading to harmful outcomes. Economic hardships combined with patriarchal societal norms have shifted bride price into an exchange or even a form of wealth measurement. This change has created pressure on families with daughters to demand high payments, which unfortunately commodifies young women. I have witnessed situations where young girls, often under 20 years old, are exchanged for hundreds of cows, viewed as property rather than individuals with rights and dignity. Furthermore, this exchange frequently leads to gender inequality and domestic violence. Because a groom’s family has paid a bride price, some men feel entitled to control their wives, sometimes abusing them without consequences. Women often stay in abusive marriages due to the societal expectation that the bride price must be 'repaid' if the marriage ends, severely limiting their freedom and safety. In conversations with others from South Sudan, many agree this practice, while culturally significant, has been weaponized against women and contributes to ongoing cycles of violence and oppression. Removing bride price altogether could be a step forward for promoting gender equality and protecting women and girls from abuse. Reflecting on all this, I believe the community must engage in open dialogue about reforming or removing bride price to align cultural traditions with modern human rights values. Education on gender equality and women’s rights is crucial as well to create lasting change. This will empower women and foster healthier, more respectful marriages free from fear and exploitation.