Empowering Women in Aweil West County: Abuk Deng’s Journey from Silence to Advocacy

Abuk Deng, a 26-year-old mother of three, has lived a life shaped by cultural norms and traditions. Forced to relocate to Wedwil Town due to severe flooding, Abuk is among the many internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Aweil West County. Her story reflects the transformative power of education and empowerment provided by Hope Africa South Sudan (HASS), with support from UN Women.

Born into a deeply traditional family, Abuk was raised with the belief that her primary role was to manage household chores and care for her siblings. Education and personal decision-making were not part of her life; her path was pre-determined by her parents. Marriage came early, arranged by her family without her consent, reinforcing the cycle of cultural conservatism.

"I had no knowledge of gender-based violence or women’s rights before the intervention by Hope Africa South Sudan," Abuk recalls. "I didn’t even understand what could be considered violence against women."

Everything changed when Abuk joined the gender-based violence (GBV) awareness sessions at the Wedwil Women and Girls’ Friendly Space, facilitated by HASS. These sessions introduced her to the concepts of gender equality and women’s rights, empowering her with knowledge that reshaped her worldview.

For the first time, Abuk realized that she had been subjected to violations of her rights—not just by societal norms, but also within her own family. The awareness sessions highlighted her role as an integral part of decision-making processes, both within her family and her community.

Now, Abuk is determined to ensure her rights and those of her children are never violated again. She is particularly passionate about securing her children’s right to education, breaking the cycle of traditional restrictions.

Abuk’s newfound awareness has fueled a deep commitment to advocacy. "Violence against women is rampant, especially in emergency settings," she stresses. "It’s crucial for governments and humanitarian organizations to continuously educate people about GBV."

Her dream is to become a community advocate, working tirelessly to eliminate GBV and championing the rights of women and girls. Her story is a testament to the effectiveness of GBV services, psychosocial support, and economic empowerment initiatives provided by HASS and supported by UN Women.

Abuk’s journey from silence to advocacy underscores the importance of empowering women through education and support. Her transformation is a beacon of hope for many women facing similar challenges in Aweil West County and beyond.

UN Women continues to support initiatives like those led by Hope Africa South Sudan, fostering empowerment and resilience among women in South Sudan.