By: Ginaba Lino
UN Women South Sudan convened a high-level roundtable bringing together women leaders from parliament, government institutions, and civil society to address the challenges women face in public life particularly the growing threat of digital violence.
The half-day discussion, held under the theme “Women in Public Life: Leadership, Perception, and Protection,” focused on the African Union Convention on Ending Violence Against Women and Girls. The session emphasized the need to tackle negative perceptions and digitally facilitated harassment that undermine women’s leadership and participation in decision-making.
Speaking at the event, Ms. Delphine Serumaga, UN Women Country Representative in South Sudan, highlighted that online violence has far-reaching consequences beyond the digital space.
“We want an honest conversation about the real-world impact of digital violence on women,” she said. “The consequences go beyond the screen they affect women in their workplaces, homes, and communities.”
The roundtable took place during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, a global campaign running annually from November 25 to December 10. This year’s theme centers on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, a growing concern in South Sudan as digital platforms increasingly shape public discourse, political engagement, and civic life.
“More than 80% of women parliamentarians worldwide have experienced psychological violence, including online harassment, threats, and sexist attacks,” she noted, adding that digital spaces often magnify the same gender-based discrimination and violence that women experience offline.
UN Women warns that despite the internet’s potential to advance advocacy and amplify women’s voices, it has also become a “new frontline” for gender-based violence. In South Sudan, women politicians, journalists, human rights defenders, and young activists face rising levels of online abuse, including cyberbullying, image-based attacks, hate speech, and misinformation aimed at silencing them.
“Digital attacks are not isolated online events they reflect and amplify the violence women already experience offline,” Ms. Serumaga emphasized. “We need stronger legal frameworks, greater investment in digital literacy, and robust support systems, including legal and psychosocial services, to protect women in public life.”
Recent alerts from the South Sudan Human Rights Defenders Network indicate a sharp increase in online harassment targeting women and girls. Reports cite coordinated smear campaigns, defamation, and cyberstalking, often escalating during politically sensitive periods. Restrictions imposed on social media platforms by the National Communication Authority following the spread of inflammatory content further underscore the volatility of the digital landscape.
Hon. Lona James Elias from the Political Parties Council commended UN Women for organizing the dialogue, urging collective action to end both physical and online forms of gender-based violence.
“Online gender-based violence mirrors what happens offline,” she said. “It reinforces harmful traditions and norms that view women as inferior and limit their freedom to participate in public life. It’s time for women in South Sudan to stand up and fight for their rights no one will do it for us.”
Hon. Elias also spoke candidly about the deep-rooted challenges women face, including domestic abuse, social pressure, and economic dependence, stressing that violence whether online or offline destroys women’s confidence, limits their potential, and silences their voices in leadership spaces.
The roundtable featured interactive discussions and case studies on technology-facilitated gender-based violence, presented by digital rights experts. Participants shared experiences of how online abuse has affected women’s mobility, safety, and employment opportunities, while calling for greater digital safety education and stronger accountability measures for perpetrators.
In closing, Ms. Serumaga commended the Government of South Sudan, civil society, youth groups, and women-led organizations for their continued partnership in advancing gender equality.
“Your collaboration is vital as we work toward a South Sudan where women’s voices are protected, valued, and heard,” she said.
The session concluded with a call to unite in action to combat all forms of violence against women and girls, strengthen digital safety, and promote inclusive participation in public life.