Gender, peace and security

Cultural and traditional practices in South Sudan can marginalise women and girls and limit their participation in family and social life. Early and forced marriage and pervasive domestic violence are serious threats which, unfortunately, elicit only limited response from justice providers. Access to justice and services for survivors are extremely limited – a result of police disinterest, a lack of specialist skills and resources, confusion about South Sudanese law (particularly on domestic violence), fear of stigmatisation among survivors and, in some cases, refusal to acknowledge abuses.

Saferworld challenges and addresses the gender norms and perceptions that drive conflict. Our gender work in South Sudan supports women to address gender inequalities between women, men, girls and boys. We provide resources to women-led and women’s rights organisations, analyse and identify the taken-for-granted assumptions about gender and social structures, mobilise communities, and raise awareness through radio talk shows and community discussions. Through workshops and community dialogues, we engage with traditional and community leaders, and with young people’s, women’s and religious groups.