WFH,GIZ Launches SGBV ResPEct Project to Support Women and Girls on Gondokoro Island
By Roselyn Oboy
The Women Foundation for Humanity (WFH), with support from German Agency International Cooperation (GIZ), has launched the SGBV Respond, Prevent,Educate Project (ResPEct) a six-month initiative aimed at combating sexual and gender-based violence on Gondokoro Island in Central Equatoria State.
Speaking during the launch in Juba, WFH Executive Director Dorothy Drabuga said the island was selected because women continue to face significant challenges, including violence and limited access to support services.
“We have chosen Gondokoro Island because, being an island, this place has been deserted. They don’t have referral pathways, and women living there face a lot of problems ranging from gender-based violence and sexual violence to land rights issues,” Drabuga said.
She said the project will raise awareness on SGBV, train local leaders and women, and establish community discussion groups to address harmful practices and promote statutory laws that protect women’s rights.Representing GIZ, Elizabeth Atong said the programme is being implemented in several parts of the country and focuses on both prevention and survivor support.
“We are addressing sexual and gender-based violence through awareness campaigns, community dialogues, radio talk shows, and support services for survivors,” Atong said.
She added that the programme has supported women’s economic empowerment initiatives, reached about 80 women through livelihood activities, and distributed 3,500 dignity kits to selected schools.
“Our goal is to create safe spaces where survivors can speak openly without fear of stigma and access the support they need,” she added.
Meanwhile, Director General at the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Nunu Diana Alison emphasized the importance of involving men and traditional leaders in the fight against gender-based violence.
“Most community leaders are men, and they must be at the forefront of preventing violence and reporting cases. Gender-based violence affects the entire community, not just women,” Alison said.
She welcomed the project, describing Gondokoro Island as one of the areas facing high levels of violence and stressing that collective action is needed to protect women and girls.
The SGBV Respect Project will run until October 30, 2026, and is expected to strengthen community awareness, improve survivor support services, and promote safer communities.
