Officials from the European Union and the government of Germany have called for stronger and more inclusive services for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV) in South Sudan, particularly women and girls living with disabilities who often face additional barriers when seeking support and justice.
The call was made during a panel discussion held in Juba to mark International Women’s Day, bringing together diplomats, development partners, civil society representatives, students, and advocates to examine the intersection between gender-based violence, mental health, and disability inclusion.
The event highlighted the need for comprehensive support systems that address the psychosocial and mental health challenges faced by survivors while ensuring that services are accessible to women and girls with disabilities.
Participants noted that survivors with disabilities often experience higher levels of vulnerability, stigma, and discrimination, which can make it even more difficult for them to access medical care, legal assistance, or counseling.
The discussion was organized under the RESPECT Project, implemented by the German development agency Deutsche Gesellschaft für International Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) with financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development and the European Union.
The initiative focuses on preventing and responding to gender-based violence while strengthening community awareness and support services for vulnerable populations across South Sudan.
Speaking during the event, Elizabeth Atong, Project Coordinator for the Prevention of Sexualized and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) program at GIZ, said the discussion was an opportunity to reflect on the challenges faced by marginalized groups and identify practical solutions to strengthen protection and support systems.
“This dialogue provides a platform for us to examine the barriers that vulnerable communities face, particularly women and girls with disabilities,” Atong said.
“It also allows us to work collectively on identifying ways to improve mental health and psychosocial support services that are accessible and responsive to their needs.”
She stressed that addressing gender-based violence requires more than emergency response mechanisms, noting that survivors also need long-term psychological support to recover from trauma and rebuild their lives.
German Ambassador to South Sudan, Gregory Bledjian, underscored the importance of addressing what he described as the “invisible wounds” caused by violence, trauma, and exclusion.
“Our purpose today is simple but clear: to make the invisible visible and to commit ourselves to concrete action,” Bledjian said.
“Women and girls with disabilities often face multiple layers of discrimination. They are at greater risk of violence, yet they encounter significant barriers when trying to access services and support.”
He emphasized that mental health and psychosocial support are critical elements in the recovery process for survivors of violence.
According to the ambassador, addressing trauma not only helps individuals heal but also contributes to building stronger and more resilient communities.
Bledjian further noted that sustainable peace and development cannot be achieved without the full participation and protection of women and girls.
Similarly, the Ambassador of the European Union to South Sudan, Pelle Enarsson, described the RESPECT Project as an example of the Team Europe approach, which brings together European institutions and member states to support development and humanitarian efforts in partner countries.
Enarsson reiterated the EU’s commitment to promoting women’s rights and protecting vulnerable groups, stressing that mental health and disability inclusion should be prioritized in national policies and development strategies.
“Mental health must be treated as a key development priority,” he said. “At the same time, we must ensure that the voices of women and girls with disabilities are placed at the center of decision-making processes and policy discussions.”
Participants at the forum also emphasized the need for community-based approaches to prevent gender-based violence and ensure survivors receive appropriate support.
Civil society organizations highlighted the importance of strengthening local protection networks, improving accessibility of services, and promoting public awareness to reduce stigma against survivors.
Advocates noted that many women and girls with disabilities in South Sudan remain isolated due to social stigma, lack of mobility, and limited access to information about available services.
As a result, cases of abuse often go unreported, leaving survivors without protection or justice.
Speakers at the event encouraged policymakers, humanitarian agencies, and community leaders to collaborate in developing inclusive systems that respond effectively to the needs of survivors.
They also stressed the importance of integrating mental health services into broader gender-based violence response programs.
The panel concluded with a call for continued partnership among government institutions, international organizations, and civil society to strengthen prevention efforts and expand access to inclusive services.
Participants expressed hope that sustained advocacy and investment in mental health and disability-inclusive programs will help ensure that no survivor of gender-based violence in South Sudan is left without support.
“Every woman and girl deserves to live free from violence and discrimination,” one participant noted. “Ensuring inclusive services is not just a policy choice it is a moral and humanitarian responsibility.”
