Activist Calls for Inclusive Action to Combat GBV Against Women

By Awan Achiek

The Centre for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), a civil society organisation, on Wednesday urged urgent and inclusive measures to address gender-based violence (GBV) against women and girls.

This call was made in recognition of the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence, observed on Tuesday.

The International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict is observed annually on June 19.

The day is set aside to raise awareness of the devastating impact of conflict-related sexual violence and to honour survivors and those who continue to fight for justice and protection.

Ter Manyang Gatwech, executive director of CPA, stressed the need for the government to take urgent action to end GBV in South Sudan.

“South Sudan remains one of the countries where GBV is alarmingly widespread,” Manyang said in a statement extended to Dawn on Wednesday.

He noted that the country continues to grapple with high rates of GBV, particularly against women and girls, fuelled by harmful cultural norms, entrenched gender inequality, and prolonged conflict.

“Deep-rooted cultural perceptions contribute significantly to the normalization of violence, especially against women and girls. We must challenge and change these beliefs,” he said.

Manyang called on the government and traditional leaders to strengthen legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms to protect survivors and hold perpetrators accountable.

“On this day of reflection and commitment, CPA stands in solidarity with all survivors of sexual violence and reaffirms its dedication to building a society free from GBV.”

He stressed the need to provide accessible and survivor-centred support services, including medical, psychosocial, and legal aid, as well as promote gender equality through education and community engagement.

He called for collective work to dismantle harmful norms that perpetuate violence.

“While the majority of survivors are women and girls, the CPA also recognises that boys and men can be victims of GBV and calls for a holistic and inclusive approach to addressing the issue in all its forms.”

South Sudan reported 2,300 cases of sexual violence in the first half of 2018 alone, ranking it second only to Uganda for the highest rate of sexual violence in East Africa, according to a report by the United Nations.

The Anti-GBV Bill seeks to address various forms of GBV, including conflict-related sexual violence, domestic violence, and harmful customary practices such as child marriage and female genital mutilation.