Sexual violence against women in South Sudan had tripled since the conflict broke out in 2013, the head of the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) in the country said in Juba today.

Speaking to Radio Miraya, UNFPA Country Director Barnabas Yisa said almost 32,000 women in the country had been affected by gender-based violence. 

Mr. Yisa made the remarks as the country joined the world to commemorate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, which is observed on 25 November annually, and also marks the start of 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based Violence.

He said UNFPA was taking action to prevent and respond to violence against women and girls, before, during and after conflict, explained the different forms of gender-based violence. 

“When we talk of gender-based violence, we are talking about rape, violation of women … battering of women and beating of women,” he said. “We are talking about sexual exploitation, getting girls into marriage very early … (and) female circumcision.”

During an event to launch the 16 Days of Activism in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Acting State Governor Zakaria Joseph Garang called for collective efforts to sensitize the population on gender-based violence.

He noted that there were several aspects contributing to violence against women including cultures, lack of education and economic conditions.

The Acting State Governor reiterated that his government, through the Ministry of Gender, will work hard to reduce violence and exert efforts in creating awareness.  

The Director of Gender in the Ministry of Women and Social Affairs, Viola Victor, said owing to a mass sensitization campaign, there had been an improvement in the number of cases reported in the state this year.

Acting UNMISS State Coordinator Nwanne Obahor urged the state government to ensure that there is zero-tolerance for violence against women.

In the Upper Nile State capital Malakal, an event to mark the day in the UNMISS protection of civilians (PoC) site kicked off with a peaceful procession by women, children and faith-based groups.

Acting UNMISS State Coordinator Hastings Amurani-Phiri called on the government and community to end discrimination against girls and women, especially in the area of education, which he said was hampering the development of the girl child.

“I urge communities to seriously end destructive traditional practices (as well as) impunity and discrimination on the basis of gender, as we witnessed through the suffering of women in war zones,” he said.

Women’s representatives also urged the South Sudanese government to bring perpetrators of gender-based violence to book.

Hundreds of people at the UNMISS PoC site in Bentiu, Unity State, gathered for activities to mark the beginning of 16 Days of Activism, which features songs and drama with messages highlighting all forms of violence against women.

International Rescue Committee Protection Officer, Gift Muponisi, called the leadership and people of South Sudan to fight discrimination against women and girls.

“Promoting education for girls and children is fundamental in mitigating the problem,” she said. “When the girl is educated… her rights are instituted at home and beyond.”

South Sudanese women living at the PoC site reiterated the call to end harmful cultural practices including forced and early marriage.

Several activities are planned in Bentiu over the next 16 days including training for school children on violence against women and girls, training for women on human rights, and meetings with women and community leaders on women’s participation in the peace process.

A women's open peace forum, organized by UNMISS in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, was held in Yambio County, Western Equatoria State.

Over 50 participants attending the workshop discussed the experiences and contributions of women’s peacebuilding organizations and women community leaders to the promotion of peace and security at country and local levels, as well as the challenges they face.

The Acting Minister for Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Rajab Simon, said women must not only focus on how much percentage is offered by the political leaders but also needed to think  about other issues affecting them in the state and country.

Encouraging the women to raise these issues with the concerned authorities, Mr. Simon urged them to select vocal women who could speak on their behalf at the local and national levels.

Participants made recommendations on several issues like the need to strengthen the campaign against gender-based violence, provision of national security and peace by the government, supporting for women organizations in the fight against sexual-based violence and creation of rehabilitation centres for counselling.

In the Jonglei State capital Bor, an event held at the Freedom Square featured dance performances and a procession by school girls, women in the organized armed forces as well as other women’s groups.

Several speeches were delivered and all included messages on the importance of education for Girl Child and a call for an end to gender-based violence.