Ending violence against women was a collective responsibility of the state and all its organs, an UNMISS official said today in Juba.

Speaking an event to commemorate 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence (GBV), UNMISS Gender Officer Gladys Jambi said civil society organizations, the community and all state residents should work together to end violence against women and children. 

Organized by the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender and Social Development and the State Women’s Union, the activity was held under the theme “From peace in the house to peace in the nation-make education safe for girls”.

Ms. Jambi noted that 16 Days of Activism was a global campaign against GBV to raise awareness of it at national and international levels as well as to highlight challenges women and girls were facing.

Chairperson of the Central Equatoria State Women Union Jennifer Kujang urged parents in South Sudan to educate girls and let them complete their education.

“As a mother I do advise all the parents in the South Sudan nation to help girls to finish their education by promoting girl-child education,” said Ms. Kujang.

She also called on parents to keep their homes peaceful. “Peace starts at home because if there is no peace in the house it means there is no peace in the country.”

Bishop Martin Mogga called on communities of South Sudan to respect women because they were mothers. He urged South Sudanese to embrace peace, reconciliation, forgiveness, and unity.

The Senior Inspector for National and Foreign Languages in the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Manasseh Matur Makoi, encouraged girls who were victims of violence and pregnancy to continue their education.