In South Sudan, Saferworld has created inter- and intra-county and state spaces for learning between civil society, women’s rights organisations and authorities to address and mitigate common and shared conflict issues.

Our partner Women Initiative for Development Organization engaged county and state authorities from Cueibet County in Lakes State and authorities from Tonj East County in Warrap State to discuss a conflict that arose between communities over the theft of 23 cows. The authorities acted upon information from the partner, and a series of bilateral meetings took place which led to the recovery and return of the cattle. This outcome helped improve trust between the two counties and promote interaction between the two county governments, averting reverse cattle raiding or intercommunal violence in response to the theft.

In the Wunlit Triangle in South Sudan, a project – funded by the UN’s Peacebuilding Fund – on challenging harmful and patriarchal gender norms for better mental health and psychosocial support in peace and security has begun to demonstrate the value of a holistic approach to peacebuilding. Seven women and girl-friendly safe spaces have been strengthened or set up, with over 40 centre members trained in gender-sensitive conflict analysis and basic mental health
support skills. The spaces are used as a networking platform for women to come together and discuss issues that affect women and girls. These groups have begun to address the mental health needs of women and girls and to strengthen intercommunal relations and dialogue, challenging harmful gender norms and advocating for the rights of women and girls within their communities. These peer groups and safe spaces are important because they bring people from feuding communities together to identify common challenges. The team in South Sudan has also witnessed individuals being inspired by one another and forming their own support groups.