Gondokoro Communities Urged to Break Silence on SGBV

By Jenifer James

Communities on Gondokoro Island have been urged to report cases of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) to ensure survivors receive timely medical and support services.

The call was made by Dorothy Drabuga, Executive Director of Women Foundation for Humanity, during the launch of a community referral pathway for SGBV cases on Gondokoro Island on Wednesday.

The launch event included a “boda boda” (motorcycle taxi) road run, aimed at raising awareness about violence against women and girls.

During the launch, Drabuga emphasized that survivors should not remain silent about rape, domestic violence, and other forms of gender-based violence.

“If you don’t talk about it, you cannot be helped,” she stated.

Drabuga highlighted the critical importance of seeking immediate medical attention after rape, noting that post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can significantly reduce the risk of HIV infection if administered promptly.

“If you are raped within 72 hours, if you take this medicine called PEP, it can prevent you from getting HIV,” she explained.

She described gender-based violence as a fundamental human rights violation that impacts individuals, families, and entire communities.

“This gender-based violence is a violation of human rights that affects individuals, families, and the entire community,” she reiterated.

The referral pathway was established to ensure survivors can report cases and access appropriate support.

“The reason why we are putting this is to support survivors. These survivors need help, somebody who has been raped. So they can be helped,” Drabuga said.

This referral system is tailored specifically for the Gondokoro Island community. Community engagement groups have been provided with phones and contact numbers to report cases and connect survivors to services, including Juba Teaching Hospital.

Drabuga explained that the boda boda road run would carry awareness messages directly into the community, extending the discussion beyond formal meetings.

“The motorcycle road run is an opportunity to take messages beyond meeting halls and into the community,” she said.

The riders were scheduled to travel from the launch venue to Mononyi, spreading messages against sexual and gender-based violence.

Drabuga’s message to the community was clear: “Stop beating women. Stop raping women. Stop raping your sisters. Stop beating your sisters. Let us be as one, brothers and sisters.”

She further appealed to men, women, young people, traditional leaders, teachers, government authorities, and the broader Gondokoro community to take collective responsibility for preventing violence.

“Let us ensure that our daughters, our sisters, live in an environment which is free of violence,” she urged.

The “RESPECT” project — which stands for Respond, Prevent, and Educate to Stop Sexual Gender-Based Violence — is funded by German cooperation and the European Union, and implemented by GIZ in partnership with Women Foundation for Humanity.

Drabuga thanked community members for their attendance and encouraged them to work together to strengthen protection and support for SGBV survivors.

“Let us stand together so that we can build our communities, we stay one,” she concluded.

Meanwhile, James Tombe Swaka, Sub-Chief of Gondokoro Island, welcomed the establishment of the referral pathway, calling it an important development for the community.

Swaka believes the initiative will enhance access to support and services for those affected by gender-based violence.

“This referral pathway is a good development for our community, and we welcome it,” he stated.

Agnes Poni, the women’s representative of Gondokoro Island, called on residents to maintain unity as new development initiatives arrive in the area.

Poni urged the community to collaborate and support efforts aimed at improving the well-being of women and the wider population.