The chairperson of Yei River State Women Association is calling for an end to sexual harassment and violence against women and girls in the area.
Araba Vicky told Radio Tamazuj that since the outbreak of the conflict in Yei River State in 2016, hundreds of women and girls were subjected to gang rapes, torture, killings and sexual harassment by both government troops and rebel forces.
She added it is high time for any forces holding arms to end women mistreatment and turn their efforts towards women protection, observation of rule of law and women empowerment in South Sudan.
“At the moment, our priority is to bring to an end the issue of sexual gender-based violence (rape and torture). We want to see the women and girls are free to carry their activities. We need support and protection from the government; we don’t want iron treatment anymore because we are always considered vulnerable,” said Vicky.
Vicky also called for the inclusion of women in key decision-making positions, saying women can help address women issues.
“In any key sector, women should not be excluded from the decision making processes in the executive, the courts, police and the legislature. Many times men decide on their own oppressing the rights of women and including more of us will address women harassment,” she said.