JUBA-South Sudan’s Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, in partnership with UNDP and Hope Africa South Sudan, on Thursday launched a gender-based violence behavioral change program.
The three-month program funded by UNDP and implemented by HASS targets 680 individuals from Eastern and Central Equatoria states.
The project aimed at integrating approaches that weave ethical, and effective actions to address GBV.
Speaking during the launch of the program in Juba, Mariam Aguli Zachriah, advisor to the Central Equatoria State governor on gender affairs, reiterated the government’s commitment to fighting gender-based violence.
“Therefore, as the government of central Equatoria, I think this project of inception is very important,” Aguli said.
Aguli thanked the partners for choosing Central Equatoria state as one of the beneficiaries of the program.
“I hope it does not end here in launching it; let it go down to our counties also,” she noted.
For her part, Margaret Mathiang, UNDP Gender Analyst, said the project would empowered youth with financial support and skills on business development.
Ms. Mathiang revealed that an assessment conducted recently shows shocking figures on GBV prevalence in Central Equatoria State.
“By integrating GBV into the youth enterprise development and capacity building, we aim to improve their economic outcomes for young women through addressing vulnerability,” she stated.
“The project will empower young women and advance gender equality through behavioral and social norm change intervention,” Ms. Mathiang added.
According to her, this is a journey toward achieving a more prosperous and resilient society and supporting the United Nations 2030 agenda for sustainable development.
Meanwhile, Mr. Aduol Aduol Yel, Executive Director, Hope Africa South Sudan, said the project will help reduce the cases of GBV in the local communities in the state.
“We are going to look at different approaches to GBV prevention, such as the steppingstones, creating features, and in the Shakirwa, or opinion leaders here in CES—we will engage both spouses, local communities, women, boys, and girls,” said Aduol.
He disclosed the three-month project will end on February 28, 2025.
He said it would engage communities in sensitization seminars and dialogue to enhance GBV-behavioral change.
“The project also will target 680 people directly, but indirectly there will be more than that number. So, it will be 1,300 beneficiaries,” he said.
