South Sudan project aids over 12,300 survivors of gender-based violence
Summary and headline written by AI from the source article. How we work
The ResPEct: Stop SGBV initiative concluded in South Sudan after four years of work, providing medical and psychosocial support to more than 12,300 survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) and reaching over 38,000 people in total.
The European Union (EU) and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) jointly funded the project, which the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) implemented.
The project focused on Aweil West, Juba, and Yei River counties, serving internally displaced people, returnees, and host communities. Organizers established Women and Girl Friendly Spaces and a One-Stop Centre in Yei to deliver care and support. Beyond direct assistance, the initiative aimed to shift social norms by working with schools, local organizations, and men and boys to promote gender equality. The ResPEct project also supported women’s economic empowerment through small business development and Village Savings and Loan Associations.
Female journalists received training in conflict- and gender-sensitive reporting, and radio programs addressed SGBV and inequality. Women’s groups developed recommendations for government institutions and development partners to guide future efforts in preventing violence and addressing discrimination. EU and German ambassadors emphasized the need for sustained commitment to prevent SGBV and ensure lasting peace in South Sudan.
