PATRICIA OKOED The African Union (AU) Special Envoy on women, peace and security is calling for stronger action against gender-based violence in South Sudan.
Speaking exclusively to Radio Miraya from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the special envoy said “enough is enough, it is now time for action,” to stop the conflict and eliminate gender based violence.
Bineta Diop was in Juba last October to launch a campaign to make the voices of the women of South Sudan heard, and to demand accountability for perpetrators of violence against women and girls.
The campaign, dubbed #4womenofSouth Sudan, amplifies voices of South Sudanese women speaking out against gender-based violence and puts pressure on authorities to take action.
“I met with resilient women who are desperate to return to their homes,” said Ms. Diop, vowing to stand in “solidarity and support” to demand peace from the country’s leaders and restore their dignity.
In a follow up to the campaign, the special envoy commended the national army for declaring a ‘zero tolerance of abuse’ and vowing to hold to account any officer accountable for the practice, but said more still needs to be done.
Special Envoy Diop spoke with Gabriel Shadar in this interview, and started by making an impassioned call for dialogue and protection of women.