South Sudan Says Committed to Mitigating Violence Against Women

South Sudan has announced it is steadfastly committed to ensuring Gender Based Violence against women is mitigated.
Participants and officials posed for group photo on Monday at Pyramid Hotel in Juba

By Simon Deng

South Sudan has announced it is steadfastly committed to ensuring Gender Based Violence against women is mitigated.

Basing on the 2016-2026 health policy and draft Gender Based violence bill, Karto Williams, the Program Specialist on Women Political Participation at the UN Women, said the country has been bill as demonstrating the commitment to address violence against women and girls.

 “The establishment of GBV shelters and the development of the draft GBV bill underscore South Sudan’s commitment to addressing violence against women,” Williams said, though admitting that in South Sudan, gender-based violence remains a critical issue “with nearly 50% of women experiencing intimate partner violence.”

Williams was speaking at the beginning of the 16 days of activism yesterday.

It’s an annual event and this year is being celebrated under the national theme, “unite to end violence against women and girls in South Sudan” which is in line the global theme, “Towards Beijing plus 30, Unite to end violence against women and girls.”

Williams warned that floods and food insecurity have heightened vulnerabilities for women and girls, and that entrenched social norms and stigma hinders survivors’ access to essential services.

Williams also revealed that a recently compiled Beijing Plus Studies South Sudan report highlighted the significant strides in advancing gender equality, noting that key achievements include the implementation of the 35 percent Affirmative Action Quota under the 2018 Revitalize Peace Agreement.

“The report also highlights improvements in female enrollment in education through initiatives like Education Cannot Wait and the positive impact of the South Sudan Women Economic Empowerment Project, which has now reached over 15,500 households,” said Williams.

Victoria Matjila, the chief of capacity building for the United Nations Police said the campaign of 16 days of activism calls for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights against women and girls.

“There is need for deep commitment of all stakeholders to build a safe environment for women and girls. We must unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes, and call for improved laws and services to end this horrific crime,” said Machila.

James Francis Kutiyote, the Undersecretary for the National Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs his ministry is engaging public to help identify and address issues of concern including escalating violence.

Kutiyote also said the government is making a difference for women and girls impacted by crisis, adding that the government has initiated plans to fund local women’s rights organization and investing in lifesaving program.

“As government, we have embarked on robust education and awareness on the root causes of violence to change the language of violence and introduce the language of peace, we tell our people to stop sexual harassment at workplace,” said Kutiyote.

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