UN Women, in partnership with the United Nations in South Sudan, organized a powerful event in Juba on Monday to mark the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
The event brought together key stakeholders, including the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, the Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Netherlands, the Chief of Capacity Building at UNMISS, media representatives, civil society organizations, women-led groups, and expert panelists.
Korto Williams, UN Women’s Programme Specialist for Women’s Political Participation, spoke on behalf of Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, the UN Women Country Representative (a.i.), addressing the ongoing challenges faced by women in South Sudan.
“As we approach the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, we are reminded of the pressing need to tackle persistent issues such as Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The latest femicide report by UN Women and UNODC reveals a harrowing reality: every 10 minutes, a woman is killed by an intimate partner or family member globally. In South Sudan, nearly half of all women experience intimate partner violence, and 25% of reported sexual violence cases involve children. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent shattered lives and underscore the systemic failures to protect and uphold the rights and dignity of women and girls,” Williams stated.
Despite these alarming figures, Williams highlighted significant progress in South Sudan, citing the recently compiled Beijing +30 South Sudan Report. The report outlines positive steps such as the implementation of a 35% affirmative action quota under the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, which has led to increased women’s representation in decision-making roles, including the appointment of a female vice president and eight ministers.
Additionally, progress in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment has been made through initiatives like Education Cannot Wait and the South Sudan Women’s Economic Empowerment Project, benefiting thousands of households, Williams added.
Joseph Francis, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, delivered a message on behalf of Minister Mary Nawai. He reiterated the government’s commitment to combating violence against women, stating, “No one should be subjected to any form of violence, and we stand firmly against all perpetrators.”
Bouwe-Jan Smeding, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of the Netherlands, emphasized the collective responsibility to end violence against women. “Every day is an opportunity to make a difference,” he said. “The Netherlands is proud to have funded Gender-Based Violence (GBV) courts in South Sudan, showing that even small efforts can create significant impacts.”
Victoria M. Matjila, Chief of Capacity Building at UNMISS UNPOL, spoke on behalf of UNMISS Police Commissioner Christine Fossen. She urged the South Sudanese government to expedite the passage of the Anti-GBV Bill to criminalize violence against women and ensure perpetrators are held accountable. “UNMISS UNPOL is committed to supporting the National Police Service by building their capacity to effectively prevent and respond to all forms of GBV against women and girls across South Sudan,” Matjila said.
During the event, artists showcased paintings that highlighted the issue of gender-based violence, while women entrepreneurs displayed their products and shared their personal stories. They passionately emphasized the importance of the 16 Days of Activism campaign and the urgent message that there is #NoExcuse for violence against women and girls. The event called for collective action to end gender-based violence.