Central Equatoria State Gender Minister says culture brings up women to be shy or reserved, making it difficult to report rape cases.
Mary Apai tells journalists in Juba that some rape survivors do not report their encounters because of cultural impediment.
She says the Gender Ministry advocates for immediate reporting of any sexual abuse for quick medical treatment and counseling as it embarks on construction and rehabilitation of Gender Based Violence and counseling centres.
Minister Apai condemns cultures that encourage forced marriage of rape survivors to rapists.
She maintains that marriage should be based on informed consent of a woman and a man not as a result of rape encounter.
UNFPA Gender Based Violence Specialist Caroline Nyamayemombe advises masses to respect one another’s right to avoid sexual based violence.
She says any problem at home or in a community should be addressed amicably to usher in happy life as family relations.
The officials made the appeal on Friday during the inauguration of Juba Teaching Hospital Counseling Centre.