UN Women has called for stronger national action to address the growing cases of gender-based violence (GBV), digital abuse, and structural barriers facing women and girls across South Sudan.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Juba during a media engagement for the 16 Days of Activism, Delphine Serumaga, the UN Women Country Representative, highlighted persistent gaps in justice, protection, and social attitudes that continue to leave women and girls vulnerable.
“Getting us involved in addressing gender-based violence, not just in urban spaces, but in rural spaces as well,” she said. “Having institutional frameworks and structures that can support the work for justice, for women who are being abused, and girls who are being abused, such as safe housing, causes of sheltering, such as the justice system working, judges who are fully understanding and have the ability to sentence accordingly. Therefore, the legislation is also in itself being present and available.”
“I spoke about a GBV bill, and that is something that needs to be pushed and put in place, but also a comprehensive one, not just one because the government means one,” Serumaga added.
Serumaga also underscored the need to change societal attitudes that reinforce discrimination.
This year’s global theme focuses on ending digital violence against women, an issue she said the media must confront honestly. She also questioned whether South Sudan has adequate laws to address online abuse.
“So, do we even have national legislation around digital violence?” she asked. “Is it something that the media can also support?”
The UN Women official further raised concerns over the limited funding and recognition of civil society and women-led organizations that provide frontline support to survivors.
“We find ourselves, the women’s organizations that are out to support, do not have enough funding to be able to do the work,” she disclosed. “Also, the recognition of them as entities that do good work in the community is not necessarily normal.”
She emphasized the importance of reliable GBV data and reporting systems.
With South Sudan’s population largely made up of young people, Serumaga warned that failing to address GBV now would have long-term consequences.
“If we do not address that age and socialize appropriately, then we are missing a moment in time for the history of this nation. The challenge is actually getting everybody together, understanding the issues together, and being able to support these initiatives and provide the necessary technical and financial support,” she said. “Make sure that people have the voice, particularly women and girls, can come out and speak without being pushed back or without being targeted. I think that is the biggest problem we have.”
She concluded with a strong appeal to all sectors of society: “I continue to call upon everybody to use where you are sitting and use the strength and influence that you have to make a difference for South Sudan.”