Why South Sudanese counterparts are hopeful they will not go back the same people
The pursuit of acknowledgement and justice for survivors of sexual- and gender-based violence (SGBV) continues boldly. Earlier this month, victims of conflict from two countries, Uganda and South Sudan, joined together to share their experiences.
From 15th to 17th August 2018, the Justice and Reconciliation Project, together with the Women’s Advocacy Network (WAN), hosted five women from South Sudan. They were accompanied by members of the Foundation for Democracy and Accountable Governance (FODAG). The organisation works in South Sudan to support victims of human rights abuse, especially victims of torture and SGBV.
FODAG aims to reach across borders, encouraging people from multiple countries to share stories and experiences. In fact, this is a key strategy in helping survivors of conflict feel more comfortable speaking about their struggles, and ultimately seeking justice.
The people of northern Uganda are incredibly resilient. They suffered through a two-decade long war, and have progressed greatly, despite the odds being stacked against them. This is a potential source of inspiration for the group from South Sudan.
The aim of WAN members was to share their experiences during conflict, and their post-conflict journeys, emphasizing the power of solidarity as a formidable factor enabling them to come together as survivors and build a strong future. Further, WAN sought to engage their guests in two activities. The first was a workshop during which the two groups could exchange experiences. This was followed by two days of visits to various WAN groups.
The collaboration was incredibly fruitful.
The Power of Solidarity and Stories of Resilience
The exchange featured in-house discussions and experience sharing among the participants. The WAN chairperson explained that she and her colleagues had sat down years ago and in conversation realized that they could advocate for themselves and respond to many pressing issues. Her stories received much attention. She spoke powerfully of how the original seven members were able to defy odds and gain huge amounts of support from other victims. This ultimately lead to the creation of many groups under the umbrella WAN.
Two WAN members added evocatively to the discussion by sharing their experiences in captivity. They were forced to walk long distances and endured brutal punishment and sex slavery. They also faced many challenges as a result of fighting with the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF)
Akello*, a member of WAN, shared her story of rape which caused many of the south Sudanese victims to break down. ‘I was fourteen when I was given to a man of 43 whom I should almost call my grandfather. He turned me to be his wife ……and raped me’. Akello said.
The story of Aloyo* was equally touching for the women, encouraging the five participants from the worlds’ youngest nation to start telling their stories. Aloyo shared, ‘I want to thank God that he protected me to date. I was abducted in 1996 when I was 14. I was straight away given to a man. I had never known a man in my life and I had to bear helplessly………after a year I became pregnant, but that man also died, and the suffering continued.’
Through the various advocacy efforts, both locally and internationally, WAN members continue to share their experiences and as well as learn from other networks of survivors that have been through similar traumas. According to them, this will strengthen collaborations and increase the platforms to learn and advocate together on issues affecting survivors of conflict SGBV.
At the close of the event, WAN members held a debrief meeting to reflect on what was gained from this experiences exchange. Great satisfaction was immediately expressed by the South Sudanese who explained that they had learnt a great deal and will not go back home the same people.
The two parties concluded that in spite of all they went through, they will not sit and wallow in pain and misery. Rather they will work hard to alleviate the challenges they are facing.
*Not their real names