(SIHA Network) is excited about our new initiative to Challenge the Patterns and Drivers of Violence against Women and Girls in Wau, South Sudan.
For some time, SIHA has been determined to directly address the issue of violence against women and girls, and now, with funding from the United Nation’s Trust Fund to End Violence against Women, SIHA is making this dream a reality; and, it seems the enthusiasm is contagious.
The first activity in the 3-year project has brought together teachers and administrators from 3 targeted secondary schools in Wau as well as representatives from the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology.
This is the first of multiple engagements that are planned between key actors in Wau with whom SIHA will work to improve the policy frameworks, create targeted curriculums, form school clubs, facilitate community dialogue, and ultimately reduce the occurrence of violence against women and girls.
The training on the ethics and safety guidelines of working with children and survivors of VAWG was planned for 83 participants, but this number has ballooned to more than 100 very active and engaged partners in this new endeavour.
Together, we are hoping to bring about lasting change by making schools and the community safer places for women and girls and by providing access to medical, legal and psychosocial assistance when it is needed.
