The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) conducted a training workshop in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, South Sudan on Gender Based Violence referral pathway services. The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment: Allocation to support the Gender Transformational Results in Crisis Contexts through Women’s Economic Empowerment and GBV Programming in South Sudan is aimed at strengthening the GBV referral pathway services. The project’s objective is to improve young women’s lives economically and socially, by eliminating the threats of gender-based violence and enhancing the supportive systems for the young women. The areas of focus of The Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) are, however, much broader than prevention and response to GBV; it also encompasses economic empowerment of women through changing existing gender norms and  orientated towards equality. The project seeks to incorporate GBV programming into the Youth Enterprise Development and Capacity Building Program (YEDCB) Project funded by the African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

The Youth Enterprise Development and Capacity Building (YEDCB) Project aims to enhance employability and job creation for young women and men aged 18-35 years in South Sudan through strengthening the private sector, building entrepreneurship skills, and improving the enabling environment. The objectives of the project are to (i) increase the employability of youth by facilitating access to skills development, business development support, and financing; and (ii) enhance public service delivery through institutional and human capacity development.

The training workshop was attended by multiple participants including representatives from State Ministries, community representatives, the police force, and other stakeholders. Key officials included : The Minister of Youth, Culture, and Sport of Eastern Equatoria, the Director of Gender under the Ministry of gender child and social welfare, and the Director General for the Ministry of Youth showcasing the commitment of  the Government in resolving this problem statement.They convened for a common purpose which is to enhance the support given to the survivors of gender-based violence inclusively and ethically, while ensuring that the services offered are centered on the individual and specific needs of the gender violence victims.

During the GBV referral pathways training, one of the desired outcomes is to provide timely, appropriate, and complete assistance to the survivors. These pathways connect the survivor with the much needed services such as health care or medical services, and psychosocial support services including legal aid and protection. The training emphasized the necessity of collaboration between various support service actors such as government ministries, NGOs, UN agencies, thepolice and community leaders so that the survivor is supported through the entire referral process.

The accomplishment of the training workshop in Torit is another milestone in the endeavour to tackle issues of GBV in South Sudan. Through a series of strategic partnerships which cut across international partners, government, civil society ,and communities, - UNDP and its partners have started what can be referred to as the architecture for enhancing mechanisms that work for the benefit of GBV survivors in South Sudan. The project is supported  by the Government of Luxembourg and the Republic of Korea. Their support has been pivotal in advancing the course of strengthening institutions , achieving gender equality , and women empowerment in South Sudan. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, UNDP continually advocates for collective action to create an inclusive, sustainable, and resilient world for all people. To attain sustainable development, it is important to harmonize economic growth with social inclusion.