Civil Society Renews Pressure for Passage of Anti-GBV Law

(JUBA)—Central Equatoria State Civil Society Network (CESCSN) has joined a growing national push for the enactment of the long-delayed Anti-Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Bill.

On Tuesday, CESCSN took part in a high-level advocacy engagement under the Justice for Her campaign, a platform aimed at accelerating action on legislation to combat gender-based violence.

The meeting, convened by Global Voices Organisation alongside women’s rights groups, brought together young women leaders, civil society actors, and advocacy organizations for a strategic follow-up dialogue with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare.

Participants used the forum to assess the current status of the Anti-GBV Bill and explore ways to strengthen coordination among stakeholders. The goal, CESCSN said, is to fast-track the bill’s passage after years of delays.

“The engagement provided a critical platform to strengthen collective advocacy efforts toward its enactment,” the network noted, pointing to increasing calls from young women across the country for accountability and tangible progress.

CESCSN also welcomed remarks by the Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Nuna Rhoda Rudolph, who acknowledged the role of civil society and reiterated the government’s commitment to tackling gender-based violence.

According to the network, the minister emphasized that GBV is not only a social issue but also a legal and developmental priority requiring urgent and sustained action.

The civil society group further highlighted a directive to engage the Ministry of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, where the bill is currently under review.

The network pledged to support ongoing dialogue and follow-up efforts to ensure the legislative process moves forward with transparency and inclusivity.

As advocacy efforts intensify, the network stressed the importance of closer collaboration between government institutions, civil society, the media, and grassroots actors.

Activists further underscored the need to amplify the voices of survivors to ensure the proposed law reflects the lived realities of women and girls across the country.

CESCSN said it remains in solidarity with partners under the Justice for Her campaign, including youth advocates and women-led organizations, in calling for the swift passage of the Anti-GBV Bill, describing it as a critical step toward building a safer and more equitable society in South Sudan.