The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has supported the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) with a $300,000  grant to establish a safe house in Juba, South Sudan for Gender-Based Violence (GBV) survivors.

According to a press release, the GBV Referral Pathway strengthening grant will also be used to conduct a national campaign to create a commitment to preventing GBV and encourage men to help prevent GBV in Juba. 

The one-year initiative is expected to work with community members such as Boda Boda riders to build support, particularly among men, for GBV prevention efforts. 

"According to 2021 data from the GBV Information Management System, physical violence accounted for 37 percent of total GBV in South Sudan, followed by sexual violence at 25 percent of total reported cases. Nearly a quarter (23 percent) of GBV survivors were girls younger than 18, which indicates the need for age- and gender-specific GBV response services," the statement reads in part. 

“Prevention, protection, and care responses to GBV are needed to create a safe South Sudan for women and families. Our partnership with UNFPA will address these critical elements and move South Sudan towards reaching UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls,” said USAID Mission Director Kate Crawford. 

“While we work to empower women and girls about their rights, we also need men and boys as allies for gender equality. This partnership aims to bring the discourse on positive masculinity among the young population of South Sudan,” said Dr. Ademola Olajide, UNFPA Country Representative for South Sudan. 

UNFPA says it will establish a transitory shelter service for survivors in Juba to serve as a safe space for the GBV survivors fleeing life-threatening situations and will operate based on the Standard Operating Procedures set by the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare in collaboration with UNFPA.