By Bosco Bush
United Nations Mission in South Sudan [UNMISS] has renewed calls to end all forms of violence against women as the country commences commemoration of the global 16 Day of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence.
Women and girls around the world, including in South Sudan, continue to experience violence, especially during intercommunal conflicts that persist in many areas of the country.
Such violence includes rape, slavery, sexual exploitation, domestic violence and forced and early marriages.
“It is a violation of women and girls’ human rights, and it’s a crime that changes lives forever. Let us work together to ensure it stops right now,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General.
The International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls calls for collective action to end impunity by holding perpetrators accountable and establishing zero tolerance against the act.
Solutions lie in robust responses including investment in prevention, women’s organizations, better legislation, and prosecution of perpetrators, training for law enforcement and more services for survivors.
Gbeho said, UNMISS is working alongside many stakeholders; communities, civil society, women leaders, government authorities, security agencies as well as regional and international partners to strengthen prevention and response efforts.
These collective efforts include providing protection and deterring violence, strengthening community policing and rule of law to improve accountability and ensure justice for victims.
Gender-based violence leaves a lasting impact across generations, affecting not only the immediate victims but also children who witness or experience it.
Mrs. Adut Christina, Chairperson of the Child Rights Civil Society Coalition emphasized on empowerment of children with the necessary knowledge and support to deter the recurrence of violence.
“Children are our future in South Sudan, and by empowering them with knowledge and support, we can break the cycle of violence and foster a culture of respect, equality, and compassion,” said Christina.
A report by UN Women indicates that in 2023, every 10 minutes globally, partners and family members killed a woman or a girl intentionally.
The 16 Days of Activism is an opportunity to revitalize commitments, and call for accountability and action from decision-makers, as the world approaches the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action in 2025 – a visionary blueprint for achieving gender equality and women’s and girls’ rights everywhere.