2 April 2014 - Community leaders in the UNMISS protection of civilians site in the Jonglei State capital Bor today attended a workshop aimed at enhancing their awareness of sexual abuse and gender-based violence (GBV).

Some 30 participants, including 15 women, are attending the two-day workshop organized by Intersos, with funding from UNMISS and the UN Population Fund (UNFPA).

“We are in an emergency situation (with potential for) a lot of abuse as people can take advantage, especially of women,” said Intersos GBV Project Manager Sam Ogent. “The objective of this workshop is to set up a community-based protection network that will help in monitoring GBV abuses.”

Mr. Ogent said establishing the network would enable the community to find solutions from their own leaders and not depend solely on assistance from non-governmental organizations.

“We want (community leaders) to keep monitoring issues to do with gender-based violence in the community and report,” said Mary Gorreti, a UNFPA gender specialist. “(They will also be able to) advise survivors and help them access the services we have here.”

Elizabeth Nyamuk, chairperson of the women leaders’ unit said the workshop was vital in explaining how to deal with GBV while maintaining positive traditional practices.

“Some of our traditions, like early marriage, are against women’s rights,” she said. “We should ignore these (negative) traditions and speak up about them.”

Jeremiah Tout said the workshop had enabled him to send a “strong message” to the community about men and women understanding and respecting each other.

“Some men are beating their wives in this camp,” said Elizabeth Joseph Chan, a participant. “Our responsibility now is to advise them on where they can go to report.”

She had also learned that speaking up about rape was important in assisting to control diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Ms. Chan added.

Isaac Beir, another participant, said he was unaware of any reports of rape or sexual abuse happening inside the UNMISS site. He said such incidents occurred when women left the compound to find items like firewood.