In South Sudan, the ICRC and SSRC are using sports and arts to combat sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through awareness initiatives and community engagement. Their efforts include a football tournament, training sessions for medical personnel, and support for survivors. The goal is to challenge societal norms, reduce stigma, and encourage community support for victims.
In South Sudan, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the South Sudanese Red Cross (SSRC) are implementing innovative strategies to address sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV) through engaging community activities such as football matches and drama performances. These initiatives aim to raise awareness and diminish the stigma surrounding SGBV in a region heavily impacted by armed conflict and intercommunal strife.
The inaugural SGBV football tournament in Lainya serves as an essential platform for dialogue about this significant societal issue. Community members, including Simon Meskin, a local educator, emphasize the urgency of addressing the heightened risks women face when they are forced to travel long distances for basic necessities, stating, “It’s excellent to sensitize young people about this major problem that affects us all.”
In 2024, the partnership between the ICRC and SSRC led to awareness sessions attended by over 5,000 individuals in nine different communities, including Lainya. They also provided direct support to approximately 36 victims of sexual violence, offering mental health care, financial support, and training for medical personnel on the clinical management of sexual assault within the critical first 72 hours.
During a football match, a health worker underscores the importance of timely medical treatment for sexual violence survivors, noting that “Every victim of sexual violence should receive medical care within the first 72 hours of an assault.” James Juma, a local journalist, agrees, stressing, “We need to amplify these messages through our radio stations” to ensure greater community awareness.
The SSRC volunteers have taken proactive steps to challenge societal views on sexual violence, leading discussions that highlight the pressing need for community support rather than stigmatization of survivors. Charles Bahari, an SSRC volunteer, articulates this by stating, “Communities should support survivors of sexual violence, not stigmatize them.”
Despite the deeply ingrained social norms surrounding sexual violence in South Sudan, initiatives such as those by the ICRC and SSRC are beginning to instigate change. By utilizing sports and arts as transformative tools, the organizations are fostering dialogues that aim to reshape community attitudes towards survivors and reduce prevalent stigmas, thus supporting long-term cultural shifts.
The efforts of the ICRC and SSRC in South Sudan demonstrate the potential of sports and arts to combat sexual and gender-based violence. By fostering awareness and providing support to survivors, these organizations are not only addressing immediate concerns but also working towards changing societal attitudes. The emphasis on community involvement through football and drama highlights the importance of engaging local narratives in tackling serious humanitarian issues.
Original Source: www.icrc.org
