12 November 2014 - It was vital to empower women through education and agricultural activities to reduce their vulnerability to all forms of sexual exploitation and abuse, a senior official in the Northern Bahr El-Ghazal State government said in the state capital Aweil today.

The Acting State Minister of Social Development, Lual Dau Marac, was speaking at the launch of a campaign aimed at preventing sexual exploitation and abuse.

“All women need to be empowered and helped,” she said. “One way of stopping sexual exploitation and abuse is by empowering women by giving them good education so that they become educated and therefore become independent.”

UNMISS, in collaboration with the State Ministry of Social Development and non-governmental organizations, launched the campaign in the state as part of a nation-wide drive to combat sexual exploitation and abuse.

Organized forces led by police and school children participated in the parade by marching through Aweil town to the Freedom Square, where the main event featured speeches, songs and drama.

Renowned South Sudanese musician Emmanuel Lasu also performed a song "Mata Askut", which encourages people to break the silence on sexual exploitation and abuse.

Deputy State Governor Salva Chol Ayat urged women and children to report any cases of sexual exploitation and abuse to the state authorities so that perpetrators are appropriately punished by the law.

“I want to tell you that the government cannot see everything but the government can do something when it is informed,” he said. “If anyone has a daughter who has been abused or (knows) a woman who has been abused, let them report it and if we fail to act, then you will say that the government is doing nothing. “

UNMISS State Coordinator Koliab Nahataba said he was impressed by the level of consciousness among the people of Northern Bahr el Ghazal on the issue of sexual exploitation and abuse.

“I am encouraged that with this kind of spirit we will be able to push a head together to fight this cancer among us in this state,” said Mr. Nahataba.

A similar event was held in Aroyo town today, while another is to be organized tomorrow in Wanyjok town in Aweil East County.