The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has been actively working to combat gender-based violence in the region, particularly in societies that are more male-dominated. In a recent development, Eastern Equatoria State has established a taskforce dedicated to addressing and coordinating efforts to combat both gender-based violence and conflict-related sexual violence.
The taskforce, comprised of 50 members from various government institutions, UN agencies, women-led networks, faith-based groups, youth unions, civil society, and international organizations, is committed to developing strategies to tackle harmful cultural practices that put women and girls at risk of violence. These practices include denying girls the right to education and condoning early and forced marriages, as well as the disturbing practice of offering girls or women as “blood compensation” in informal murder cases.
Mikelina Emilio, a Gender Affairs Officer with UNMISS, emphasized the moral obligation to stop all forms of violence against women and girls. Jennifer Nabongorika, the state’s Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, highlighted the importance of holding perpetrators accountable and providing support to survivors as key aspects of the taskforce’s work.
The initiative in Eastern Equatoria State originated from a forum hosted by UNMISS and the national Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare in 2023. The forum recommended all states to establish dedicated taskforces to improve coordination in addressing gender-based violence.
Protecting women and girls against violence is an integral part of UNMISS’s mandate in South Sudan. The mission is committed to supporting initiatives that aim to end all forms of gender-based violence and ensure the safety and well-being of women and girls in the region.
This important development in Eastern Equatoria State underscores the collective responsibility of stakeholders to work together in ending gender-based violence and creating a safer environment for women and girls. Through collaborative efforts and strategic interventions, progress can be made towards a more equitable and just society for all individuals.
