W. Bahr el Ghazal advocates for end to gender-based violence

November 25, 2015 (WAU) – Hundreds of citizens in South Sudan’s Western Bahr el Ghazal state marked 16 Days Activism with calls for an end to gender-based violence.

Also in attendance of Wednesday’s event were government officials, civil society groups and representatives from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Since 1991, approximately of 1,700 organisations in 130 countries in the world reportedly accepted to participate in the 16th days campaign. South Sudan, due to effects of war on the region, came to recognised it in 2006 under the ministry of gender and its partners following signing of the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement with Sudan government.

“During the 21 years conflict and this recent 2013 war, majority of women were affected through experiencing of different forms of violence, sexual slavery, tortured and abduction are always putting the live of women at risk in South Sudan,” Viola Phillip, a director in the state ministry of gender, labour and social welfare, observed.

The ocassion, she stressed, was an opportunity for women to raise awareness on their issues to help in combating gender-base violence related cases in various communities.

UNMISS acting state coordinator, Nwanne Obahor, said government should put in place plans, policies and actions that detect or stop violence perpetrated against women.

“This is why every year we gather like this, to remain us once more over obligations whether as a person, community or a government, there is a need to ensure that women and girls in our community, family and country do not suffer from violence,” said Obahor.

(ST)