EFSS raises awareness on 16 days of activism against GBV in Gurei, Joppa area

Author: Konga Nuela

In partnership with community leaders, the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) carried out a one-day awareness session as part of a global campaign to mark the 16 days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and early pregnancy in Gurei, Joppa Residential area with mainly participants drawn from Block Six (VI).

A total of fifteen (15) girls were selected from different homes in the area to participate in the awareness session on Friday, 29th November 2024. The session, facilitated by our board member Joseph Henry, project assistant Poni Joy, and communications associate Konga Nuela, aimed to educate young girls and elders alike on the two main issues of early pregnancy and Gender-Based Violence (GBV) prevention.

Mr. Gasim, the Chairman for Gurei, Joppa Block Six (06) welcomed the staff of the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) and thanked them for visiting and choosing to work with young girls in his area.

“I am forever grateful for the opportunity,” he said, “And I look forward to getting more training for my people,” Mr Gasim said.

He asked the girls not to shy away from questions but rather to be open and free to make the session more interactive and interesting. “This will show that you understand what is being taught to you and be able to teach others who were not able to attend the program,” he added.

Konga Nuela, Excellence Foundation for South Sudan’s Communications Associate took the privilege in introducing participants to the annual 16 Days of Activism against Gender Based Violence (GBV) campaign which is a global initiative that aims to raise awareness about GBV and inspire action to prevent and end it.

“Based on this year’s theme “PREVENT TO END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN AND GIRLS,” the organization focused on the need to address GBV and early pregnancy in South Sudan and our communities,” Konga said.

She explained that Gender- Based Violence (GBV) and early pregnancy remain among most of the pressing issues communities are facing in different parts of South Sudan and worldwide.

“These harmful practices,” she said, “Not only affect us as individuals but also, we see them having consequences for families, communities and different societies in South Sudan. To address such rising challenge in our communities, raising awareness and community engagement as well as community dialogues are vital steps to ensure that everyone lives in a free and safe environment.”

Poni Joy, Project Assistant at the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) focused her session on teenage pregnancy which she referred to as pregnancy in a girl who is still in transitional phase between childhood and adulthood often between 10 and 19 years of age. “It is also called adolescent pregnancy and is a public health concern in both developed and developing countries,” she said adding that an adolescent is someone between the ages of 10-19. They experience series of physical and psychological changes. For example, developing breasts, hips, and menstruation etc.

Sabrin, one of the participants identified some of the causes of early pregnancy as: peer pressure, sexual violence such as rape, poverty, cultural norms in our societies that make girls marry at an early age and school dropout.

“On behalf of the Community of Joppa I want to sincerely thank the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) for giving us this opportunity for our girls to benefit from such a program that has given us with the knowledge, and we hope to put everything said into practice,” said Patricia a resident in Block 6.

Participants were divided into three groups; each having five members and were asked to discuss about the solutions to early pregnancy. Some of the points they listed included, the government should provide security to reduce cases of rape, parents should provide girls with basic needs, community leaders should engage in teaching parents about early marriage and girls should remain at school and be educated.

Joseph Henry, a board member of the Excellence Foundation for South Sudan (EFSS) expressed gratitude for the active participation and the conducive environment that was quiet enabling participants understand what was being taught.

“There are no or less trainings carried out in the Joppa Residential area particularly Block 6,” says Rhoda Nimeri a participant.