UNMISS Japanese contingent has received a certificate of appreciation for its continuing contribution to building self-defense skills among women in South Sudan.

Professor Pauline Elaine Riak, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at University of Juba, awarded the peacekeepers during a self-defense teaching session held on 21 April at the university’s Custom Campus.

The event was a sequel to a previous training, conducted in March as part of the celebrations on International Women’s Day, following a request to the Japanese contingent and the UNMISS Gender Unit to share its knowledge of risk assessment and martial arts for the purpose of self-defense.

Numerous enthusiastic women from various departments attended the training to become better prepared in the unfortunate event of an attack. They enjoyed the demonstrations and interactions with the peacekeepers, many of whom were women.

Colonel Yoshiro Tanaka, commander of the Japanese contingent, explained that with proper technique and knowledge anyone can protect oneself efficiently against a stronger attacker

“We are here serving under UNMISS with the sole purpose of building peace and prosperity in South Sudan, and this kind of training is in line with that purpose,”, Colonel Tanaka added.

Mr. Suhail Akhtar Khan, representing UNMISS Gender Unit, explained that peace will only be sustainable if women and girls are given the same opportunities as men, and that making sure that women don’t fall victim to gender and sexual based violence is a key priority.

“Self-defense courses can empower women and reframe the narrative that men are protectors and women are protectees. However, self-defense courses do not diminish our responsibility to protect women and girls, instead they serve as reminders of how vulnerable women and girls are to gender and sexual based violence”, Mr. Khan said.

UNMISS Japanese contingent has also conducted trainings with the Juba Karate Association, whose members showcased their new skills at the University of Juba event.