Women in Bentiu Demand Action on Violence Law

(BENTIU, UNITY STATE) – Women and girls in Unity State have urged both the state and national governments to pass the long pending Anti Gender Based Violence Bill, saying a clear law is needed to protect them from abuse and harmful practices, including early and forced marriage.

The appeal was made during a three day women’s forum held in Bentiu. The event was organised by the UNMISS Field Office together with the State Ministry of Gender as part of the global 16 Days of Activism campaign. The forum gathered eighty participants, including women leaders, traditional leaders, youth groups and senior state officials.

Many participants said the number of gender based violence cases in communities makes the bill urgent. One woman said a formal law would help families understand that violence against women and girls is wrong and must stop. She said communities need guidance backed by law so that harmful practices are reduced.

Another participant raised concern about widows’ property rights. She said some families still take a husband’s belongings after his death, which leaves widows without support and exposes them to hardship.

Unity State Gender Advisor Stephen Liah Kuach told the gathering that the government is committed to improving the safety and rights of women and girls. He said the state will continue to work with national authorities to move the bill forward and stressed that legal protection is needed for equal rights to take effect.

Kuach said passing the bill would help ensure that women and girls have their rights recognised and make it clear that abuse is unlawful. He added that the law would guide both communities and authorities in responding to gender based violence cases.

Participants said passing the bill would be an important step in strengthening protection for women and girls across South Sudan, especially in areas where harmful practices remain common.