By Dogga Luwo
More than 50 female advocates and male allies completed an intensive three-day psychosocial and trauma counseling workshop in Juba.
Held from May 20-22, 2025, the program provided essential tools and support for advocates navigating challenging environments.
The transformative workshop was organized by PAX for Peace as part of their impactful Empowered Women Influence (EWI) project, fully supported by the German Federal Foreign Office.
This recent training marks the second such intervention by PAX for Peace this year, building on the success of a similar program designed for female-led civil society organizations.
PAX Country Director, Emmanuel Ira, emphasized the program’s commitment to empowering female advocates.
“You will go back to your various institutions and families as agents of change,” he stated.
Ira, expressed gratitude to the participants for their engagement. “The arrangement was for only 50 female lawyers, however, this workshop has exceeded the target,” he said, reflecting on the overwhelming turnout and interest.
Additionally, Ira underscored the necessity of psychosocial support and trauma counselling, noting, “Each of us experiences different scenarios that affect us.”
He further stressed how psychosocial support and trauma counselling are processes that contribute towards peacebuilding in the long-term.
“Peace is possible, regardless of how long it takes,” he asserted. “This training is to prepare you to contribute to building peace within yourselves, families and your communities.”
Rev. Dr. Alice Khakasa Muse, a psychologist and the workshop facilitator, echoed her sentiment that “It starts with you; and it also starts with me.” Let us begin with our families.
Her call to action emphasized the role of advocates in leading by example, and nurturing a culture of forgiveness and understanding. Furthermore, Dr. Khakasa explained the essence of the training.
“We want to cut off the vicious cycle of revenge and build a culture of forgiveness.”
The PAX Project Officer in charge of project, Ms. Martina Kani, urged the female lawmakers and the male allies to reflect on their roles.
“When you go back home, be a change agent. We cannot change the whole society in one day, however, we can eventually can, and it starts with us.”
Her insights prompted participants to consider their influence at home and work.
The workshop proved invaluable for the advocates, and many critical cultural issues were discussed, amongst which included dowry practices and forced marriages in the country.
Ira reiterated, “If we don’t change these practices, we will continue to expose young girls to traumatic situations.” Moreover, the sentiment among participants was one of empowerment and hope
A participant, Ginana Philip, shared how the training’s coping mechanisms resonated with him.
“Women live longer because they cope with trauma better,” he noted, contrasting this with men’s tendency to remain silent about their struggles.
Fiona Jovane (not her real name) highlighted the discussions on family dynamics and forced marriages: “This training will help me cope with such issues in my family and workplace.”
Mary George (not her real name) added, “We learned about repressive cultural practices like wife inheritance. This training has opened our eyes to improve our performance at workplaces.”
The workshop concluded with a commitment to continuous improvement.
PAX is looking forward to a follow-up session in August 2025, where participants will share their progress.
Notably, PAX Country Director extended his gratitude to the German Federal Foreign Office of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany for their unwavering support through the EWI project. I am glad that you are all going back with a reinvigorated hope.
The path ahead is challenging, however, with renewed spirits, the female advocates are poised to drive meaningful change in themselves, their communities and beyond.
Thus, by investing in psychosocial support, South Sudan is not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the foundation for a more peaceful and just society.