Preventing Gender-based Violence in South Sudan

On August 19, 2023, we marked World Humanitarian Day and honored the people who devote their lives to the service of others, #NoMatterWhat. Supporting vulnerable communities requires so many people in different roles. What binds them all together is their commitment to helping communities rebuild, become more resilient, and overcome the challenges facing them. This World Humanitarian Day, under the hashtag #NoMatterWhat, we asked members of our global staff what they’re committed to. 

With 2.8 million South Sudanese people at risk of gender-based violence (GBV) this year – 9% more than 2022 – here’s what members of our team in South Sudan had to say:

“#NoMatterWhat, I am committed to providing Sexual Reproductive Health information to IDP communities to ensure that every individual has access and can make informed decisions about their own sexual reproductive health and rights on family planning, contraception, safe pregnancy, childbirth, and prevention and treatment of sexually transmitted infections. #NoMatterWhat challenges arise, I will continue to render my services in times of emergency to support people affected by crises and make a difference in their lives, especially women and girls.” - Johnson, Reproductive Health Officer IsraAID South Sudan.

“#NoMatterWhat, I am committed to providing Gender-Based Violence services to survivors, including people with disabilities in IDP camps, to ensure that every individual, regardless of gender, is protected from violence and receives the necessary support to heal from post-trauma and rebuild their lives. No matter the difficulties, creating a safe environment, providing holistic support to survivors, engaging community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen systems, and advocating for policies that protect each individual from Gender-Based Violence is my responsibility.” - Martha, Protection Officer IsraAID South Sudan.

On World Humanitarian Day and every day, we pay tribute to Johnson, Martha, and the IsraAID South Sudan team, whose dedication to providing effective, timely, and equitable access to GBV protection services exemplifies the essence of #NoMatterWhat.