Urgent Call for Support as South Sudan Commemorates 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence

A poignant panel discussion held in Juba on December 12th underscored the pressing need for support and protection of survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Sudan. Hosted by GIZ on behalf of the German Development Cooperation and the European Union, the event titled “Silent Voices – Support and Protection for Survivors of Sexualized and Gender-Based Violence in South Sudan” was part of the global observance of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.

Gathered at the Baobab House, key stakeholders engaged in constructive dialogue to explore strategies aimed at significantly enhancing the protection, empowerment, and care of survivors of sexualized and gender-based violence. The panel featured distinguished speakers including Pascalina Anyang, Judge at the GBV court; Brig. James Dak Karlo, Director of the Police Special Protection Unit; and Alice Oleya Jino, Program Manager at the European Union, among others.

Opening the discussion, Lea Flaspoehler, Cluster Coordinator for Governance and Gender at GIZ South Sudan, emphasized the dual focus on prevention and meeting the immediate needs of GBV survivors. “We support the One Stop Centre in Yei, where survivors can receive holistic care,” she noted.

The event included impactful statements from survivors, highlighting the societal challenges faced by those seeking justice and the cultural dynamics surrounding GBV. Alice Oleya Jino reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to gender equality and human rights, stating, “We place women and gender equality at the heart of peace and security.”

Gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue, with alarming statistics indicating that approximately 65% of women and girls in South Sudan experience physical, sexualized, or gender-based violence throughout their lives. The risks are particularly acute for women and girls in displacement situations, where support services are often scarce or completely absent.

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence is an annual campaign that runs from November 25th, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, to December 10th, Human Rights Day. It aims to raise awareness and encourage advocacy globally to combat violence against women and girls.

This year’s panel discussion was organized by the GIZ project “ResPEct: Stop SGBV – Respond, Prevent, educate!” which is co-funded by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. The initiative seeks to enact social change regarding gender roles, to support families in conflict, and to actively engage men in preventing sexual and gender-based violence.

In conclusion, the panel highlighted a pathway forward that not only prioritizes survivor support but also fosters institutional change and community engagement, contributing to a future where gender-based violence is a thing of the past in South Sudan.