On 27th June 2025, Health Action in South Sudan (HASS) joined stakeholders at the official launch of the Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Peacebuilding Project in Central Equatoria State, hosted by Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).

The workshop, held at Palm Africa Hotel in Juba, brought together government representatives, civil society organizations, religious leaders, and development partners committed to advancing gender justice and sustainable peace in South Sudan.

HASS was represented by Executive Director Dr. Wol Wol Dut and volunteer staff Suzan Nyandeng Awet and Phoebe Mojwok. In his presentation, Dr. Wol delivered a powerful session on Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Sex Education, highlighting the need for robust collaboration between government institutions, faith-based organizations, civil society actors, and community leaders.

“Sexual health education must be locally owned, contextually relevant, and supported by strong multi-sectoral partnerships,” Dr. Wol emphasized. He stressed that organizations like HASS and NCA should move beyond service delivery to lead in advocacy, build resilience in communities, and champion accountability mechanisms that protect women and girls.

He further spoke on sustainability models for SRH projects, urging implementers to integrate local leadership, community engagement, and long-term capacity-building into every intervention. “Success is not in the project launch, but in its continuity after donor funding ends,” he noted.

The workshop featured keynotes from high-level government officials, including representatives from the Ministry of Gender, Ministry of Peacebuilding, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, and Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC).

The day’s program included group discussions and stakeholder feedback, laying a strong foundation for joint efforts against GBV and towards peaceful, equitable communities.

HASS is proud to stand in solidarity with partners working to end GBV and promote sexual health rights in South Sudan. We remain committed to building a future where dignity, peace, and health are a reality for every person.