Internally displaced women and women organizations in Twic State (formerly Twic County, Warrap) said an inclusive anti gender based violence campaign is needed to address the ever increasing plight of women in the state.

The call was made during a five-day (May 9-13) gender based violence awareness round table discussions in Twic. The discussions were organized by UNMISS Warrap Field Office for the Twic Women’s Union and the women in four IDP camps including Agany, Managui, Pagai and Manhawan.

The participants included the Minister of Education, Gender, and Social Development, Nyayath Manyuat Deng. She called for a joint forum with men, traditional chiefs, and justice, to discuss the effects and consequences of gender based violence.

“Women here are suffering from various forms of GBV including rape, abandonment and low enrollment of girls in secondary schools. My ministry is undertaking a survey and studies to address the situation. But we can’t do it alone,” Min. Nyayath lamented.

“We are suffering greatly here. This forum is well appreciated but there should be continuous radio programs in the various dialects. This will help us. We are suffering”, Aluel Makuac, the chairlady of Manangui IDP camp emotionally noted.

The participants further said people are using what they termed as so-called culture to achieve their selfish goals. “What we are experiencing here is another form of slavery. We are sold for cows. We don’t have a say in our home. If only the man decides what happen in the home, is this not slavery”, Ajok Kon Chol wondered.

The round table discussions facilitated by UNMISS Human Rights, Communication and Public Information, Gender and Child Protection highlighted overview of human rights, causes and consequences of gender based violence, conflict related sexual violence, responses and prevention as well as the effect of gender base violence on children and the Protection of Civilians early warning mechanisms.

A total over 1,101 women attended the discussion.