In the heart of Western Bahr El Ghazal’s Wau, where the trauma of gender-based violence once silenced many voices, a refuge of hope has emerged the One-Stop Centre. For survivors like Mary, a 17-year-old girl who came to the centre seeking help after enduring months of abuse, it became a place where fear gave way to strength. This centre, run by the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) and sup- ported by UNFPA through the Swiss Agency for Development, has transformed lives by offering vital, life-saving services all in one place.

At the One-Stop Centre, survivors find more than just a helping hand they discover a community of people ready to help them reclaim their future. Women and girls, some as young as five, arrive at the centre seeking not just medical care, but emotional and legal support. For Mary, the first step was receiving urgent medical attention. The next was speaking to a social counsellor who listened as she poured out her story of suffering.

Survivors like Mary also meet with people like Lin- da Michael, a legal advisor who helps guide them through the complex and intimidating legal system.

Many women are afraid to speak out, afraid to go to court. But I walk with them every step of the way,”

Linda shares. Between January and August this year alone, 477 survivors sought legal counselling at the centre. Of those, 63 decided to take their cases to court seeking justice for the wrongs they endured. Although the process is not easy 23 cases resulted in convictions, while others faced challenges survivors who continue to push forward are showing that silence is no longer the only option.

The centre’s impact ripples far beyond the walls of the building. Workshops and seminars, led by dedicated staff, are changing attitudes in Wau and neighbouring states. By educating communities about the long-term effects of gender-based violence and breaking down harmful cultural norms, the centre is fostering change at every level.

We are seeing more people speak out, seeking help, and understanding that violence is not accept- able,”

says one of the centre’s staff members. Their efforts are already making a difference, with reports of gender-based violence declining as more survivors find the courage to seek help and fight for justice.

For many survivors, the journey to recovery is long, but the One-Stop Centre provides a lifeline. By offering holistic care, from medical treatment to social support and legal advocacy, it empowers women to rebuild their lives on their terms.

The centres’ work goes beyond healing physical wounds it is about helping survivors rediscov- er their strength, reclaim their voices, and create brighter futures.

The One-Stop Centre stands as a beacon of hope, not only for Wau but for communities across South Sudan. It shows the transformative power of comprehensive support in tackling gender-based vi- olence and proves that change is possible when survivors are given the tools they need to rise again.