Officials in Imotong State are calling for urgent and effective implementation of laws addressing gender-based violence.
The call was made during a two-day symposium organized by SAFERWORLD in collaboration with UNMISS Gender unit and the State Ministry of Gender.
The conference which discussed how males can end the practice in their communities attracted several participants including chiefs drawn from various Bomas of Imotong state communities, human rights and women activists.
The symposium also discussed the impact of gender-based violence and ways of combating it.
Magdalena Tito, head of the Council of Traditional Authority leaders or COTAL in Imotong State decries difficulties women face on gender-based violence.
She says the increasing rates of harmful traditional practice have made life difficult for both women and their children.
An elderly male participant, who prefers to be anonymous because of fear, says it is the rulers who are violating the law.
There are already some individuals in the country, who put themselves above the law, he points out.
John Wani Lodu, Public Prosecutor Attorney in Imotong State, says South Sudan is among the countries in the world having strong laws, but lacks implementation.
He expresses government’s commitment to implement gender-based laws in 2018.
Some communal efforts like reporting acts perpetrated could help reduce violence against women, suggests, Otililing James Oliang, Imotong State Youth Union leader.
He says majority of women in the state are ignorant of their rights.
Idwa Dominica, State Director for Gender and Social Welfare, mentions psychosocial problems as negative impacts of gender based violence in the life of a human being.
The two-day symposium that started on Tuesday and ended on Wednesday is one of the key activities marking the 16 days of activism against gender-based violence.
The activity is annually observed from November 25 to December 10 countrywide.