Three Youths Awarded for Innovative Solutions to Address Gender-Based Violence and Sexual Reproductive Health in Juba

In a heartwarming ceremony held at Scenius Hubs in Juba, South Sudan, three exceptional youths were recognized and awarded for their innovative initiatives aimed at combating Gender-Based Violence and promoting sexual reproductive health and family planning. The event, organized by UNFPA South Sudan and Impact Health Organization (IHO), saw young talents from all over South Sudan converge in Juba to showcase their creativity and dedication to addressing critical issues affecting women and girls in the country.

Nelson Kwaje, the Executive Director of Scenius Hubs, highlighted the importance of providing technical assistance to existing innovation hubs for creating solutions to tackle Gender-Based Violence, sexual reproductive health, family planning, STI/HIV prevention, and child marriage in South Sudan. He commended the awardees for their outstanding efforts in driving positive change in their communities.

Dr. Ademola Olajide, the UNFPA South Sudan Country Representative, emphasized the need for increased awareness and empowerment of youths to address issues of Gender-Based Violence effectively. He reiterated UNFPA’s steadfast commitment to supporting young girls through innovative initiatives and advocacy efforts.

Dr. Jollem Mwange, the Executive Director of Impact Health Organization (IHO), underscored the collaborative efforts between UNFPA, IHO, and Scenius Hubs in advocating for child rights, particularly in education and decision-making, to combat early marriages in communities across South Sudan.

One of the winners, Rachel Hakim, expressed her joy and gratitude for being recognized for her exceptional work in addressing Gender-Based Violence and sexual reproductive health. Rachel urged parents to prioritize education for their daughters to empower them to become future leaders and avoid early marriages and pregnancies.

The second and third winners echoed Rachel’s sentiments and called upon the government to support initiatives that enable young girls to access education and fulfill their potential as future leaders of South Sudan. The awards ceremony served as a beacon of hope and inspiration, showcasing the creativity and dedication of youths in driving positive change in their communities.