19-Year-Old South Sudanese Model Says She Pursued Modelling to Escape Pressure to Marry

Nineteen-year-old South Sudanese aspiring model Khloe Nyanda has spoken about her decision to pursue modelling, saying the career became a way for her to push back against pressure surrounding marriage and expectations placed on young women.

Nyanda’s story highlights the challenges some young women face when trying to balance traditional expectations with their education, career ambitions and personal choices. She has described modelling as more than simply a profession, viewing it as an avenue through which she can build an independent future.

Her interest in modelling began at a young age. Inspired by internationally recognised South Sudanese models, including Adut Akech, Nyanda became increasingly convinced that modelling could provide a legitimate career path.

She began pursuing modelling professionally in 2023, although her ambitions were not immediately welcomed by everyone around her.

According to reports, Nyanda faced resistance from members of her family, particularly because of concerns about the modelling industry and expectations surrounding marriage. She eventually rejected a marriage arrangement, a decision that contributed to difficulties within her family relationships.

For Nyanda, pursuing modelling has therefore become closely connected to her desire to determine the direction of her own life.

Her journey has not been without other obstacles. She has encountered difficulties within the modelling industry and has also faced challenges travelling internationally to pursue opportunities.

Despite being associated with modelling agencies outside South Sudan, Nyanda has reportedly experienced visa rejections that prevented her from attending major fashion events in Europe.

These challenges have not stopped her from pursuing her ambitions. She remains determined to establish herself internationally while also contributing to the development of South Sudan’s fashion industry.

Nyanda’s ambitions extend beyond becoming a successful model. She has expressed a desire to use her future success to support young people in South Sudan and invest in institutions that can benefit her community.

She has also spoken about the importance of creating a safer and more professional modelling environment for aspiring models in her country.

Her story reflects a broader conversation about the opportunities available to young South Sudanese women and the challenges they encounter when attempting to pursue careers that may not fit traditional expectations.

For Nyanda, modelling represents an opportunity to build a future on her own terms while demonstrating that young women can pursue ambitious careers alongside their education and other responsibilities.

Her experience also highlights the growing presence of South Sudanese models in the international fashion industry. The country has produced several internationally recognised models, providing young aspiring talents with examples of what can be achieved.

Nyanda hopes to follow that path while eventually using her platform and resources to create opportunities for others at home.

Despite the obstacles she has encountered, she remains committed to modelling and to contributing to South Sudan’s creative industry.

Her journey is therefore not simply about walking on international runways. It is also about challenging limitations, pursuing independence and creating possibilities for the next generation.

Source: Thepressradio.com