Violence against women and girls is not just a violation of rights, It is a crime!
These were strong words that came from the Minister of Interior, Hon. Angelina Teny during the launch of the 16 Days of Activism in Juba, 29th November, Wednesday. Hon. Teny who represented the Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare during the national event to commemorate 16 Days of Activism, called for reforms in South Sudan’s legal and law enforcement systems, stressing that reforms at the customary level are critical to prevent and respond to GBV.
About 1500 people, including school girls and boys, groups of persons with disability, women entrepreneurs, women and men in uniform, from the government, civil society, and students including national and international organizations converged in Juba to mark the day under the theme, “Act Now! Prevent and respond to violence against women and girls.” The Acting Undersecretary at the Ministry of Gender Child and Social Welfare Mr. James Loro said,
Violence against women and girls should have no space in our societies in South Sudan. Let us advocate and work towards a brighter future for our girls and a violence-free environment for everyone.
The national prevalence study on violence against women and men in South Sudan under the auspices of the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, supported by UNFPA (under publication) suggests high levels of violence against women and men in South Sudan. As per the existing evidence, South Sudan ranks second in East Africa in terms of the prevalence of violence against women and girls, indicating substantial proportions of women (aged 15-64) in South Sudan experience GBV either in the form of physical, economic, emotional, or sexual violence in their lifetime.
UNFPA Country Representative, Dr. Ademola Olajide who spoke on behalf of the United Nations said,
Actions to address gender-based violence is urgent. GBV is not only a violation of rights but a significant drag on sustainable socioeconomic development and peacebuilding efforts.
Esther Piro, a 24-year-old woman with hearing impairment expressed happiness to the organizers for including people with disabilities during the day’s event saying that oftentimes they are left out. “Disability inclusion is key. Many a time we are left out, and we face all kinds of violence just like any other person, I feel happy today to be part of this programme; thanks to the organizers”,
exclaimed Esther through an interpreter. The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence is a campaign commemorated across the world in solidarity against gender-based violence and aims to raise awareness and motivate each and everyone to act against gender inequality and violence.
The 16 days of Activism start on the 25th of November with the International Day on Elimination of Violence Against Women and concludes with Human Rights Day on December 10, 2023.
