Global Voices Organization South Sudan successfully conducted a three-day training in Juba for 30 traditional chiefs and women leaders aimed at strengthening their knowledge and capacity to promote women’s rights, protection, and access to justice within their communities.
The training brought together community leaders from the Women’s Empowerment, Protection & Advocacy Programming project locations who play a critical role in shaping social norms, resolving disputes, and supporting vulnerable groups. Over the three days, participants engaged in interactive discussions, practical exercises, case studies, and peer-learning sessions designed to enhance their understanding of women’s legal entitlements, protection concerns, Gender-Based Violence (GBV) legal frameworks, and referral mechanisms.
The first day focused on women’s legal rights and entitlements under national and international legal frameworks. Participants explored issues related to inheritance, land ownership, access to education, and other rights affecting women and girls. Discussions also highlighted harmful practices that continue to hinder women’s empowerment and examined community-based approaches to addressing these challenges.
On the second day, participants deepened their understanding of GBV legal frameworks, the distinction between civil and criminal offences, and the structure of the justice system in South Sudan. The sessions emphasized the role of traditional chiefs and women leaders in preventing violence, promoting positive masculinity, enforcing protective community by-laws, and supporting survivors in accessing justice and essential services.
The final day focused on referral mechanisms and coordinated responses to protection concerns. Participants mapped available support services, including health, legal, psychosocial, and protection services, and took part in practical exercises on handling and referring GBV cases using survivor-centred approaches. The training concluded with the development of community action plans to guide local efforts in promoting women’s rights, strengthening protection systems, and addressing harmful practices.
The training enhanced participants’ knowledge and reinforced their commitment to serving as champions for the rights, dignity, and protection of women and girls. Through strengthened collaboration and community leadership, the participants are expected to play a greater role in fostering safer, more inclusive, and rights-respecting communities.
Global Voices Organization remains committed to working with communities and local leaders to advance gender equality, strengthen protection systems, and promote the rights and wellbeing of women and girls across South Sudan.
