Gender Based Violence To Be Reported Says Ministry Of Gender

22 February 2011 – (Juba) –The ministry of Gender, Social Welfare and Religious affairs in GoSS is calling on state officials and women activists to encourage women to report cases of gender-based violence against them in the region.

Addressing state officials from the ten states of southern Sudan and human rights activists in Juba on Monday, GOSS Minister of Gender Social Welfare and Religious Affairs, Agnes Kwaje said that many women have been suffering in silence.

She urges state officials and human rights activists to create accessible centers for women victims to report such acts committed against them.

[Agnes Kwaje]: “Encourage women and girls to report gender-based violence, sexual harassment, rape and trafficking because it is a taboo. They are intimidated all their lives that you do not have to say that you are raped. You do not have to say you are sexually harassed. You as agents must establish focal points that provide quick and effective access of the victims of gender-based violence to access courts or where there is justice, and law.”

Agnes also calls upon the Government of Southern Sudan to enact laws that will deal with sexual harassment, trafficking and rape.