In a concerted effort to address the pressing issues surrounding women’s rights and security in Western Equatoria State, Eve Organization for Women Development convened a pivotal follow-up meeting in January Yambio.
The gathering brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, community leaders, youth representatives, and women-led rights organizations, underscoring a collective commitment to fostering positive change.
The meeting served as a critical juncture to assess progress and challenges in implementing initiatives aimed at advancing Outcome Three of the Just Future Project, which focuses on Women, Peace, and Security. Over the past three years, the Just Future Project has been instrumental in supporting activities aimed at enhancing the status of women and girls in Western Equatoria State.
At the forefront of the one-day training session, held at the Sunset Hotel, were several key objectives. Participants sought to evaluate past efforts, identify achievements, pinpoint existing gaps and challenges, and devise strategies to bolster the empowerment and protection of women and girls across the region.
A significant outcome of the meeting was the enhanced understanding among participants regarding the South Sudan National Action Plan Two (SSNAP 2), a crucial framework aimed at combatting Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in the country. This comprehensive plan delineates the government’s strategies to prevent and respond to GBV over the next five years, signaling a significant step forward in addressing this pervasive issue.
During the brainstorming session, attendees reflected on the current state of affairs for women and girls in Western Equatoria State. While acknowledging progress made through extensive trainings on Women, Peace, and Security, participants highlighted persistent challenges and injustices plaguing their communities.
Disturbing accounts of gender-based violence underscored the urgent need for continued advocacy and action. Shocking incidents, including the tragic burning to death of a couple by the woman’s estranged husband and the sexual assault of two teenagers by a security personnel who tested positive for HIV, served as stark reminders of the grave threats facing women and girls in the region.
Despite concerted efforts to promote gender equality and ensure a safe environment for women and girls to thrive, entrenched cultural norms and systemic deficiencies continue to impede progress. Addressing these complex issues necessitates a multifaceted approach, combining legislative reforms, community engagement, and targeted interventions.
As the meeting concluded, participants reaffirmed their collective resolve to redouble efforts in safeguarding the rights and dignity of women and girls. Moving forward, sustained collaboration and advocacy efforts will be paramount in effecting tangible change and creating a more just and equitable society for all inhabitants of Western Equatoria State.
