Medical Student Appeals to Communities to End Gender-Based Violence in Yei

(YEI RIVER COUNTY)- A medical student from Yei Institute of Health Sciences has called on communities to take urgent action to stop Gender-Based Violence (GBV), following a rise in reported cases in Yei.

The student, Dehya Satimon Scovia, who is pursuing Midwifery and is also a member of Christ Embassy Church, made the appeal during an interview with Access Radio on Sunday morning.

According to Scovia, an increasing number of GBV cases—particularly rape, early marriage, and forced marriage have been reported at Yei Civil Hospital, with many victims being young girls.

She described Gender-Based Violence as a serious harm to society, stressing that all people are created equal and deserve dignity and respect.

“We members of the community should value each other. We are all important, whether male or female. Let us stop fighting, stop hating each other, and work together to build good families,” she emphasized.

She further stated that correction not hatred is the best way to address problems within families and communities.

Scovia urged communities to reduce harmful cultural practices, Parents and guardians to protect school-going children. She also called on Government institutions and development partners to strengthen collaboration in preventing GBV.

“If we work together, we can stop Gender-Based Violence. It is wrong. Let us eradicate this harm from our community and from our nation,” she added.

Recent discussions on the Voice of Women program also highlighted concerns from callers who said that some cases of GBV are perpetrated by parents and guardians against school-going children.

Gender-Based Violence (GBV) refers to harmful acts directed at individuals because of their gender or gender identity. It disproportionately affects women and girls due to unequal power relations in society.

The appeal from the young medical student highlights the critical role youth and health professionals can play in advocating for safer and more equitable communities in South Sudan.