Women “reject gender-based violence”

UNMISS and Agencies launches 16 days of activism in Bor
30 Nov 2017

Women “reject gender-based violence”

David Majur Awuou

Women in the Jonglei region say they reject gender-based violence, early and forced marriages and they remain committed to raise awareness against this plight.

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan and other partners are supporting events to mark the launch of the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-based violence at the Jonglei Women’s Association Center, in Bor, South Sudan.

“Women are very happy to commemorate the 16 days of activism and to have peace dialogue among them in order to live a better life without war,” said Rachel Akuach, Chairperson of Jonglei Women’s Association.

Early and forced marriages, affecting mostly school girls, are a real problem that continues to face communities in this area.

Strong cultural customs continue to deny equal opportunities and equal rights for women and girls to participate in public affairs and decision making. However, an increase in access to education hopes to change such practices.

16 days of activism is an annual campaign aimed to raise awareness on gender-based violence.