The Global Voices Organization (GVO) has launched a community-based campaign aimed at engaging men and boys in the fight against sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), bringing together 30 male champions from Gudele and Goroyo II to promote positive masculinity and strengthen community protection efforts.
The two-day initiative, held in Goroyo II on the outskirts of Juba, also brought together community leaders, youth representatives and officers from the South Sudan National Police Service’s Special Protection Unit (SPU).
The programme seeks to equip influential men with the knowledge and skills to challenge harmful gender norms, prevent violence and support survivors within their communities.
Speaking during the opening session, GVO Assistant Advocacy Officer Narumanga Julie Justin-Severio said the campaign is designed to encourage men to become active partners in ending gender-based violence rather than bystanders.
“The main reason we are here is to engage and mentor 30 male champions who will serve as role models in their communities. We believe that preventing gender-based violence requires the involvement of everyone, especially men, who have the power to influence attitudes and behaviours,” she said.
She noted that the selected participants are expected to raise awareness in their neighbourhoods, challenge harmful cultural practices and encourage peaceful relationships based on mutual respect and equality.
Justin-Severio said the initiative also aims to strengthen collaboration between communities and law enforcement agencies, ensuring that survivors of violence know where to seek help and that cases are reported through the appropriate channels.
Representatives from the Special Protection Unit briefed participants on South Sudan’s legal framework for responding to cases of sexual and gender-based violence, stressing the importance of timely reporting, survivor-centred services and community cooperation with the police.
Community leaders attending the meeting welcomed the initiative, saying gender-based violence remains a persistent challenge that affects women, girls and families across many communities.
They called for greater involvement of men and boys in changing attitudes that perpetuate abuse and discrimination.
Youth leaders also pledged to support awareness campaigns among their peers, saying young people have an important role to play in promoting respectful relationships and rejecting violence.
Throughout the workshop, participants discussed the causes and consequences of gender-based violence, the importance of positive masculinity, conflict resolution within households and practical strategies for preventing violence at the community level.
Group discussions encouraged participants to identify local challenges and develop action plans for sustained community engagement after the training.
At the close of the programme, the newly trained male champions committed to acting as advocates against gender-based violence in Gudele and Goroyo II, using community dialogues, peer education and local outreach activities to promote safer communities.
GVO said the campaign forms part of its broader efforts to prevent sexual and gender-based violence by strengthening community ownership, encouraging positive male leadership and fostering partnerships between local leaders, youth groups and law enforcement agencies.
