By Ajah Jennifer
The government, in collaboration with its partners, on Monday launched the 16 Days of Activism against sex violence, under the theme: “United to end violence against women and girls in South Sudan.”
The 16 days aim to raise awareness and mobilize action to end violence against women and girls as well as help to build safer and a more inclusive society.
Aya Benjamin Warlile, the Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in her remarks, said the 16 Days period focused on amplifying the voices of survivors, promoting gender equality and eradicating all forms of violence against women and girls.
“Our aim is to create a society where every woman and child feels safe, valued and empowered,” she said
The event brought together civil society organisations, international partners and individuals who are passionate about safeguarding the rights of women and girls.
Ms. Benjamin urged everyone to take every opportunity during this 16 Days of Activism to actively participate in the campaign.
The UN resident and humanitarian coordinator, Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho stated that Sexual Gender Based Violence interventions was only funded at 41 percent for 2024, and a significant decrease from 61% average in 2014.
Also, she said the statistics on SGBV were not just numbers but represented the ‘lives of our mothers, daughters, sisters, neighbors and friends.’
“There is an urgent need for increased support. We must unite as women and girls, and also engage men and boys as allies to confront harmful behaviors and become change agents,” Anita remarked.
South Sudan has seen increasing rate of sex violence in the region, with partners working hard to end the normalised act in the country.
Every year, from November 25 to December 10, the world observes the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV). The campaign aims to raise awareness and mobilize action to end all forms of violence against women and girls.
“These dates were carefully selected to coincide with significant global milestones: November 25th marks the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, and December 10th is the Human Rights Day when, in 1948, the Universal Declaration on Human Rights was adopted,” says the International Labour Organization in a statement.
Speaking during the launch event in Juba, National Minister of Interior, Angelina Teny, emphasized the need to transform existing laws into transformative action.
“We have laws, but the challenge is in effectively enforcing them. Let’s use these 16 days not just for activism, but to develop actionable plans that create lasting change throughout the year,” the Interior Minister said.