Author|Ginaba Lino|CRN
UN Women has called on journalists in South Sudan to play a leading role in amplifying women’s voices and combating gender-based violence, particularly in digital spaces.
The appeal was made during a media engagement organized as part of the global 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign, held under the theme “Unite to End Digital Violence Against All Women and Girls.”
Speaking at the event, UN Women’s Country Representative Delphine Serumaga emphasized the powerful role of the media in shaping public discourse and promoting equality.
“The media is an influential pillar of society,” she said. “We urge you to ensure that women’s voices and portrayals are not silenced, humiliated, or defamed through your platforms. Use your influence to amplify the seriousness of gender-based violence against women and girls in South Sudan.”
Serumaga underscored that empowering women and girls is central to South Sudan’s development, noting that the country has one of the youngest populations in the world, with a median age of just 18 years.
Despite this potential, South Sudan ranks second in East Africa for sexual and gender-based violence, with 41 percent of women reporting intimate partner violence a figure that likely underrepresents the true scale due to underreporting.
“This reality shows why collective action is urgent,” she said. “Empowerment of women and girls must be placed at the heart of building South Sudan’s future.”
The engagement also highlighted UN Women’s ongoing initiatives to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment in collaboration with the Government of South Sudan, civil society, and international partners.
The organization continues to support the gender-responsive constitution-making process, backed by the Government of Norway and the UN Peacebuilding Fund, as well as efforts to uphold the 35% quota for women’s political representation.
The Country Rep said UN Women is also working through the South Sudan Gender Observatory and the Youth Climate Action Mechanism to strengthen women’s participation in peacebuilding and climate initiatives.
Its partnerships include the Ministries of Peacebuilding, Justice, Youth and Parliamentary Affairs, and the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus.
She commended the Women’s Movement, which has mobilized over 200 women-led organizations nationwide in 2025 alone, contributing to significant progress reflected in South Sudan’s second periodic CEDAW report and the Beijing+30 National Report.
“These achievements provide a strong foundation for the next phase of our work,” the representative noted. “We call on the media to understand and promote these frameworks that support women’s rights and equality.”
Serumaga urged journalists to continue using their platforms to hold institutions accountable and to promote peace, inclusion, and development.
“You are partners in shaping narratives and ensuring that women’s voices are heard,” she said. “We call for the approval of the National Action Plan on Women, Peace and Security, the Anti-GBV Bill, and the Women Empowerment Bill, alongside greater investment in women’s economic empowerment.”
Currently, only 26 percent of women in South Sudan participate in the labor force, compared to 54 percent of men, and women earn 30 percent less than men in similar roles.
“Change in this context is essential for peace, prosperity, and equality,” she stressed. “Above all, we must continue to call for peace because peace is the foundation upon which all progress rests, and women are central to achieving and sustaining it.”
UN Women reaffirmed its commitment to working with the government, civil society, international partners, and the media to build a peaceful and equal South Sudan where women and girls can thrive without fear or discrimination.