By James Innocent
Authorities in Yei River County have recorded a surge in gender-based violence (GBV) cases since the start of 2026, raising concern among officials, civil society groups, and community leaders.
The County Department of Gender, Child and Social Welfare reported that more than 20 GBV cases were registered between January and March, with incidents ranging from rape and physical assault to abduction and killings involving women.
Speaking during a one-day community dialogue held at Yei Youth Gardens on Wednesday, Acting Inspector for Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Azania Amude, attributed the increase to the ongoing economic hardship and political instability, which she said have left many residents traumatized.
“We are seeing a worrying trend this year, with women and girls being the most affected,” Amude said.
“Community engagement like this dialogue is essential to reducing these cases and restoring safety” she added.
Participants expressed mixed views on the causes of GBV, with some pointing to economic pressures and social change as contributing factors.
Cecilia Tabu Lasuba, one of the attendees, welcomed the initiative but stressed the need for stronger family values and mutual respect within marriages.
“We must promote respect and responsibility in our homes to address some of these challenges,” she said.
Facilitator Justin Ayiwa highlighted the broader national context, noting that years of conflict in South Sudan have contributed to increased SGBV cases, particularly in areas like Yei, which he described as a “hotspot.”
He also emphasized that the country’s 2011 Constitution guarantees equal rights for women, including participation in public life, but said more work is needed to translate these provisions into reality.
Modi Archangelo, the program field coordinator for CIGPJ Yei field office said the dialogue is part of a wider campaign linked to International Women’s Day, marked on March 18, 2026.
“This campaign seeks to engage both men and women as partners in preventing SGBV, strengthening protection systems, and promoting women’s participation in decision-making,” Archangelo said.
The dialogue concluded with several recommendations, including increasing public awareness through radio programs, enforcing stricter legal action against perpetrators, addressing substance abuse, and investing in youth capacity-building initiatives.
In a related development, civil society representative Father Simon Khamis noted that while progress had been made in addressing GBV in previous years, harmful practices persist.
“Communities must reflect on their values and take responsibility for ending violence,” he said, urging residents to promote positive cultural norms while rejecting harmful behaviours.
Despite ongoing efforts by authorities and partners, stakeholders agree that sustained community engagement, stronger law enforcement, and social support systems will be critical to reversing the rising trend of gender-based violence in Yei River County.