By James Innocent
Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Justice concluded a two-day training program for over 40 participants from various stakeholders in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State.
The training focused on the response to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV), protection measures, and referral pathways for reporting such incidents.
Arikanjelo Modi, an official at the Center, stated that the training educated more than 30 stakeholders on the critical aspects of SGBV and its reporting mechanisms in Yei River County.
Father Simon Khemis highlighted the center’s mission to advocate for justice in South Sudan, encouraging participants to apply their newly acquired knowledge to foster peace within their communities.
He praised the attendees for their commitment to learning about these vital issues.
Gale Ezibon Simon, the Deputy Executive Director of Yei River County, commended the initiative, noting its significance in helping stakeholders understand their roles in combating GBV.
He also called out parents for neglecting their responsibilities during nighttime gatherings, which can lead to unfortunate incidents of violence.
“Parents often blame the government for not protecting their children, but they must also take responsibility for their safety,” he remarked.
Gale urged participants to put their training into practice, sharing their knowledge with others to create a more informed community in the fight against GBV.
Nickson Malish, an officer from the gender desk, acknowledged the challenges faced when addressing gender-based violence in the community, citing mobility issues and widespread illiteracy as significant barriers.
He urged partners to enhance public awareness about the referral pathways available for victims of GBV, emphasizing the need for accountability to combat the misuse of public funds.
Participant Goro Rose expressed gratitude to the organizing body for the impactful training, stating, “we are now equipped to act as ambassadors for this knowledge.”
She noted her pride in the diverse representation at the training, which included the Deputy Executive Director, police representatives, community leaders, and media personnel.