Several faith-based organizations on Friday commemorated the start of 16 Days of Activism aimed to create awareness on the dangers of Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
This year’s event starting from 25th November – 10th December is being observed under the theme “UNITE! Activism to end violence against women and girls”.
Peter Malir Biar, Executive Director of Christian Agency for Peace and Development (CAPAD) said that GBV is highly prevalent in rural areas affecting women and girls living in poverty, marginalization and exclusion.
“Gender Based Violence is escalated by the practice of harmful cultural and social norms, misinterpretation of faith doctrines, low literacy levels, limited awareness on effects of gender- based violence, inadequate political will, and poor law enforcement,” said Biar.
The World Health Organization (WHO) noted in it’s 2021 report that violence against women and girls remains the most widespread and pervasive human rights violation worldwide affecting more than an estimated 1 in 3 women, a figure that has remained largely unchanged over the last decade.
It disclosed conflict-related sexual violence against women and girls is widespread and systematic throughout South Sudan.
The faith-based organizations that participated in the event included CAPAD, Young Women Christian Association South Sudan, Seventh Day Adventist South Sudan, South Sudan Islamic Council, Presbyterian Church South Sudan, Episcopal Church South Sudan, South Sudan Pentecostal Church and Faith to Action Network.
