Young people in South Sudan have been called upon to take the lead in building safe, respectful, and empowering digital spaces as the country marked World Human Rights Day at the University of Juba.
The event, held during the ongoing 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, brought together students, ICT experts, development partners, and educators to highlight the role of youth in shaping digital culture and defending online rights.
UN Women Country Representative Delphine Serumaga emphasized that with the majority of South Sudan’s population under the age of 30, youth have immense influence over the country’s digital future.
She said digital literacy and online safety skills are “urgent and essential” for ensuring that digital platforms become tools for positive engagement rather than spaces of abuse.
“Young people shape narratives, influence change, and amplify voices for equality,” Serumaga said.
She encouraged youth to challenge harmful behavior online, counter abusive content, and promote dignity in digital interactions.
“What we don’t want is the normalization of negativity. If you see someone misbehaving online, call them out,” she added.
MTN South Sudan CEO Mapula Bodibe echoed these concerns, reaffirming the company’s commitment to supporting safer online communities.
She noted that youth spend the most time online and therefore play the greatest role in defining internet culture in the country.
“You are creating the social behaviors that define the internet in South Sudan. You will determine whether technology-facilitated gender-based violence is properly addressed,” Bodibe said.
Bodibe highlighted risks associated with online anonymity, including impersonation and harassment, and said MTN is strengthening SIM verification systems to reduce such abuses.
She also outlined ongoing commitments by MTN, including expanding digital literacy programs, supporting youth-led reporting mechanisms, promoting digital rights awareness, and collaborating with UN Women to enhance online safety initiatives.
Both speakers commended the growing involvement of young men in campaigns to end violence against women and girls, describing their participation as crucial to changing harmful norms both online and offline.
As the event concluded, stakeholders called for sustained national efforts beyond the 16 Days of Activism to ensure digital platforms consistently uphold dignity, equality, and human rights.
They stressed that South Sudan’s digital transformation will depend heavily on the leadership, responsibility, and creativity of its young people.
