Preventing sexualised and gender-based violence

Context

Armed conflict and climate-related disasters have forced 2.3 million South Sudanese to flee to neighbouring countries. Approximately 2.2 million people have been displaced within the country.

Many women and girls in South Sudan experience physical, sexual or gender-based violence during their lifetime. For displaced women and girls, the risk is particularly high.

In South Sudan, violence and human rights violations often go unpunished. A lack of awareness, failure to prosecute offenders, stigmatisation and major obstacles in the judicial system prevent many of those affected from asserting their rights.

In addition to this, a large number of survivors have limited or no access to psychosocial support, health services and legal advice.

Objective

Measures for the prevention of sexualised and gender-based violence in the context of (forced) displacement are strengthened.

Approach

The project supports internally displaced people, returnees and host communities in preventing sexualised and gender-based violence and promoting gender equality.

• It facilitates advisory services that support families and offer medical and psychosocial care to those affected. The services also aim to make men more aware of their responsibility in preventing violence.
• Women’s groups and organisations are supported in networking and contributing their voices to the national discourse. The project also promotes women’s groups, women journalists and local non-governmental organisations in implementing their own prevention projects and organising awareness campaigns that reach the media.
• The project advises schools on violence prevention. Through gender-transformative activities, students learn to question gender roles and educate other young adults about alternative behaviours.

To implement these activities, the project collaborates with the International Rescue Committee (IRC), CARE, Women for Women International, and Malteser International.

Last update: March 2025