By Emmanuel Mandella

Grace Apollo Musa, the acting Minister for Gender, Child and Social Welfare in Western Equatoria State has urged community leaders and husbands to actively support women in combating gender-based violence (GBV) in South Sudan.

Speaking at a recent workshop organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), themed “GBV Prevention is Not a Request, It is a Requirement,” Apollo emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts between men and women to effectively address GBV.

“Women cannot achieve much on their own without the support of men,” Grace Apollo stated, highlighting the critical role men play in fostering a safer environment for women.

She also called upon community leaders to disseminate the knowledge gained from the workshop. “Leaders should take this message wherever they go, whether in churches, funerals, or any social gathering across Western Equatoria.”

The urgency of this appeal is underscored by alarming statistics. A 2024 report by UNMISS revealed a 43% increase in violent incidents from April to June, affecting at least 1,062 civilians, predominantly women and girls.

Apollo also addressed the issue of polygamy.

“Men have the right to marry more than one wife. However, this should not be a source of conflict or GBV within families.” She also advised married couples to show respect within their households and avoid conflicts in front of their children, adding: “Women should be peacemakers in their homes and not mirror negative behaviors.”

The workshop aimed to foster open discussions on how men and boys can adopt practical and sustainable actions to prevent GBV in their communities.

The establishment of South Sudan’s first national task force to combat gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence in December 2024 reflects a significant step towards addressing these issues. Vice-President Rebecca Nyandeng Garang emphasized at the launch, saying: “This taskforce represents our collective recognition of the urgent need to confront gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence.”

Mrs. Fozia Abas, Chairlady of the Western Equatoria State General Women Union, praised UNMISS for organizing the workshop, describing GBV as “one of the most dangerous social issues affecting communities.” She further appealed to women’s groups and individuals to begin preparations for International Women’s Day on March 8, urging, “Let us make this year’s celebration colorful and meaningful.”

The collective efforts of government officials, community leaders, and international organizations underscore a unified commitment to eradicate gender-based violence in South Sudan.