Gender-Based Violence Declines in Yambio Through Awareness Campaigns
A recent grassroots campaign led by the Voluntary Community Action Group has yielded promising results in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV) in Yambio County. Chairperson Gloria Angelo Gene reported a significant decline in domestic violence cases, attributed to extensive community training and awareness initiatives.
During a community gathering on Friday, Gene highlighted the positive impact of their efforts, stating, “We have observed noteworthy improvements in men’s behavior, with a marked reduction in assaults against women, and vice versa. We encourage other communities still struggling with GBV to cultivate peace and stop the cycle of violence.”
Since the inception of the campaign, community members have been actively engaged in discussions about GBV, which has led to a deeper understanding of the issues at hand. Gene noted that ongoing advocacy has fostered a culture of support for victims and an environment that holds perpetrators accountable.
Benjamin Commander Gayos, the Director General for Western Equatoria’s Ministry of Local Government and Law Enforcement, expressed his department’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence, despite the challenges faced. “We have identified gaps in the referral pathways for reporting criminal offenses related to GBV,” Gayos explained. “It is crucial for victims, community members, and traditional leaders to collaborate and address these cases effectively.”
Support for the campaign has also come from international organizations. The United Nations Population Fund, along with Amref Health Africa, has been instrumental in providing resources and support for initiatives aimed at combating GBV and improving overall health outcomes.
Despite the progress seen in Yambio, the situation in South Sudan remains alarming. A recent Situation Analysis report conducted by the World Health Organization and health cluster partners revealed that South Sudan has one of the highest rates of gender-based violence in the world, with a staggering 65 percent of women reportedly experiencing sexual violence.
As the awareness campaign continues, local leaders remain hopeful that with sustained efforts, further reductions in gender-based violence can be achieved, leading to a safer environment for all members of the community.
