UN Women South Sudan Marks 16 Days of Activism with Powerful Events to Combat Gender-Based Violence

 

UN Women South Sudan, in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, and various partners, organized a series of impactful activities for the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign. These events spotlighted the urgent need to eliminate violence against women and girls while reaffirming South Sudan’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment.

1. Formal Launch of the 16 Days of Activism Campaign

The campaign was officially launched by the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare in a high-profile event attended by government leaders, Women-Led Organizations (WLOs), the United Nations, and media representatives.

Prominent figures such as Hon. Minister Aya Benjamin, Hon. Angelina Teny, Minister of Interior, and Anita Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG/RC/HC) graced the occasion.

The leaders reaffirmed South Sudan’s commitment to eliminating Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Hon. Aya Benjamin emphasized:

"Together, we stand united to #EndGBV and create a safer future for all women and girls in South Sudan."

2. UN joint event-Panel Discussion

In collaboration with the United Nations in South Sudan, UN Women hosted a significant event in Juba, bringing together key stakeholders, including government representatives, civil society organizations, and international partners.

Korto Williams, UN Women’s Programme Specialist for Women’s Political Participation, speaking on behalf of Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, UN Women Country Representative (a.i.), highlighted:

"Globally, a woman is killed by an intimate partner or family member every 10 minutes, as revealed by the 2024 Femicide Report by UN Women and UNODC. In South Sudan, nearly half of all women experience intimate partner violence, and 25% of reported sexual violence cases involve child victims."

Hon. Joseph Francis, the undersecretary for the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, reiterated the government's commitment to combating violence against women:

"No one should be subjected to violence, and we stand firmly against all perpetrators."

 

International partners, including Bouwe-Jan Smeding, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Netherlands, and Victoria M. Matjila, Chief of Capacity Building at UNMISS, called for expedited passage of the Anti-GBV Bill to strengthen protection for women and girls.

During the panel discussion, experts and stakeholders delved into critical topics addressing the alarming prevalence of gender-related violence in South Sudan under the overarching theme, “Towards 30 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action: UNiTE to end violence against women and girls”. Discussions centered around the root causes of gender-related killings, such as entrenched societal norms, lack of legal protection, and weak justice systems. Panelists emphasized the importance of strengthening the justice system and security forces to respond more effectively to cases of violence, while also highlighting the critical role of community-led initiatives in shifting cultural attitudes that perpetuate violence. Another crucial perspective that was highlighted was the continuum of violence; with insights on how cycles of abuse affect the daily life for women and girls, especially in vulnerable and marginalized communities, underscoring the need for expanded support systems and resources. Additionally, the intersection of climate, health, and humanitarian crises was explored, revealing how such challenges exacerbate the risks of violence against women and girls.. The panel also shed light on the violence faced by women in politics, discussing strategies to ensure safer spaces and support for female leaders, and the unique vulnerabilities of women and girls with disabilities, advocating for more inclusive policies and accessible services. Together, these discussions provided actionable insights to ending violence against women and girls in South Sudan.

The event also featured artwork and entrepreneurial showcases, amplifying the voices of women and spreading the message of #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls.

3. UN Women Staff Join the Campaign

UN Women South Sudan staff actively participated in the campaign with a dedicated event to reflect on the alarming findings of the 2024 global femicide Report.

Dr. Rukaya Mohammed stated:

"Over 81,000 women and girls were killed globally in 2023, many by partners or family members. These numbers remind us why our work is vital. We commit to championing gender equality and advocating for a world free from violence."

The event served as a moment of solidarity, with staff pledging their continued advocacy for women’s rights.

4. Cycling for Equality: "Men as Allies"

As part of the global campaign, UN Women South Sudan, in partnership with UNMISS and the UN Resident Coordinator office, organized a cycling race under the theme "Men as Allies, Champions, and Advocates for Equality”.

The bicycle race brought together participants from across the UN family, including Anita Kiki Gbeho (DSRSG/RC/HC), Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, Country Representative UN Women and Lothar Jaschke, Deputy Ambassador EU, Christine Fosser,UNMISS Police Commissioner, Sara Goerg, UNMISS Welfare Chief. The event celebrated solidarity and men’s roles as advocates for ending violence against women and girls.

Medals were awarded to the top 10 cyclists (5 women and 5 men), symbolizing equality and shared responsibility in the fight against GBV.

UN Women continues to advocate for robust action in the fight against GBV, urging collective efforts to prioritize the safety, dignity, and empowerment of women and girls. South Sudan’s achievements, including the implementation of the 35% affirmative action quota and increased women’s participation in decision-making, demonstrate that progress is possible. However, the journey to ending GBV requires sustained commitment and investment.

Together, we can end violence and create a future where every woman and girl lives free from fear and harm. #EndGBV #16Days #NOExcuse