Gov’t to continue efforts against gender-based violence – VP Garang

JUBA – South Sudan’s Vice President for Gender and Youth Cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to protect women’s rights and curb gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

Nyandeng said the government will continue to support all efforts to eradicate violence against women and girls at all levels of society.

“In order for survivors to feel safe reporting their cases, it is important that we create a conducive environment in which they come forward,” Nyandeng said during her visit to Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Juvenile Court on Tuesday.

Nyandeng said curbing gender-based violence required collective responsibility of all stakeholders, and community leaders in the country.

“Gender-based violence is not only a legal matter, but it is also sociopolitical in nature and requires the attention of healthcare providers, law enforcement agencies, community leaders, and elders, working in close collaboration with the justice system,”  she said.

“I hope that all agencies and practitioners that deal with this issue are able to have a desk or department that is trained and dedicated to handling sensitive GBV cases.”

Senior government official stressed the need to enact legislation that prioritizes the advancement of women and strengthen their capacity to influence decision-making.

“I continue to dream about a society free from Sexual and Gender-Based violence, where women and girls can live free from discrimination and inequality. However, in order for this dream to come true, we must all continue to reaffirm our commitment to this issue,” she said.

The widow of icon Dr. John Garang De Mabior said the government commitment will create safe spaces for women, girls, and all survivors to come forward and report their cases.

“It is the courage and strength of the survivors that drives this court forward. We must, therefore, continue to make it a priority to create safe spaces for women, girls, and all survivors to come forward and report their cases,” she said.