JUBA, Dec. 10 (Xinhua) -- South Sudanese campaigners on Monday vowed to revitalize action on gender based violence that has escalated against a backdrop of civil strife and archaic cultural beliefs.
The campaigners drawn from academia and civil society said they will rally behind grassroots-based advocacy aimed at eradicating violence against women and girls in the country that has been engulfed by civil strife for the last five years.
Nyanthon James Oath, a gender researcher with the Sudd Institute, a Juba-based think-tank, said a year-long campaign dubbed Ma Mara Sakit translated into "I am not just a woman" has already been unveiled to raise visibility on violence and abuse meted on the female gender.
"It is a campaign to fight negative stereotypes that have worsened violence against women and everyone is called upon to support it for the sake of peace, stability and progress in our country," Nyanthon said.
She said the new campaign seeks to challenge the outdated beliefs about women's role since the majority are positively contributing toward achieving sustainable peace in the country.
"As a researcher I do believe that this is a significant advocacy that will create awareness within our society and how we value and see women's active participation in the development of the country," said Nyanthom.
Ayak Chol Deng Alaak, a feminist and rights defender said the new campaign will also address harmful cultural practices like early marriages that have denied women a chance to realize their potential.
