Catherine Lattu, the gender officer at the Young Women's Christian Association - Credit: Lou Nelson/Eye Radio - Dec. 5, 2023

A gender activist is calling on men to champion the fight against gender-based violence in the country, as South Sudan observes the 16 days of activism against GBV.

According to the UN Women, violence against women and girls is one of the world’s most prevalent human rights violations, taking place every day, many times over, in every corner of the globe.

It is said to have serious short-term physical, economic, and psychological consequences on women and girls – preventing their full and equal participation in society.

On Monday, the United States Ambassador to South Sudan called on the transitional government to prioritize ending Gender-Based Violence, adding that Washington stands with those protecting the human rights of women and girls in the country.

Ambassador Michael J. Adler said the mission strongly backs efforts to end the vice in South Sudan, as it commemorates the 31st anniversary of anti-GBV activism in the country.

Catherine Lattu, the gender officer at the Young Women’s Christian Association is calling on men to champion the fight against GBV in South Sudan.

“The 16 days of activism, yes we are fighting against gender-based violence against women and girls, but it is a collective responsibility, even men have a role to play,” Catherine told Eye Radio’s Dawn show on Tuesday.

“Some of us just go out and say they are talking about women and girls, so we don’t have anything to do with it, but you have sisters, you have daughters, you have a female within your circle, it is your responsibility [men] and it is within you to make sure that you protect them,” she said.

“We want them [men] in the fight, we create awareness together, and that way it carries more volume,” she added.

The 16 Days of Activism against GBV is an annual international campaign that kicks off on 25th November, the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, and runs until 10 December, Human Rights Day.

The campaign was started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute in 1991.

It is used as an organizing strategy by individuals and organizations around the world to call for the prevention and elimination of violence against women and girls.

Every year, the UNITE Campaign focuses on a specific theme and this year’s is “UNITE! Invest to prevent violence against women and girls”.