1. Executive Summary (Impact Focus)
In 2025, Smile Charity South Sudan (SCSS), through its trained female volunteers, implemented an integrated Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) awareness campaign in Kon-beek Boma. The initiative directly reached 530 community members, including women, girls, men, and youth.
The campaign contributed to increased awareness, improved health-seeking behaviors, and strengthened community dialogue around GBV prevention and SRHR services. Notably, there was a visible shift in attitudes toward reporting GBV cases and increased interest among women in accessing maternal health services.
2. Context and Rationale
Kon-beek Boma continues to experience high vulnerability among women and girls due to:
Prevalence of GBV, including early marriage and domestic violence
Limited access to SRHR services
Low awareness of health rights and services
Cultural barriers restricting women’s participation in decision-making
These challenges negatively affect health outcomes, safety, and dignity, necessitating community-driven interventions.
3. Objectives of the Campaign
To increase awareness and prevention of GBV among community members
To improve knowledge and utilization of SRHR services
To empower women and girls through information and community engagement
4. Approach and Implementation Strategy
SCSS adopted a community-based, participatory approach, led by female volunteers, ensuring accessibility and trust among beneficiaries.
Key Methods Used
Door-to-door sensitization
Community dialogue sessions
Small group discussions
Interactive awareness sessions
Use of culturally appropriate IEC materials
The involvement of female volunteers played a critical role in reaching women and girls effectively.
5. Key Results and Impact
5.1 Reach and Participation
380 women and girls reached
150 men and boys engaged
Total direct beneficiaries: 530 individuals
Indirectly, the campaign influenced a wider population through information sharing within households.
5.2 Increased Awareness and Knowledge
Significant improvement in community understanding of:
Types and consequences of GBV
Rights of women and girls
Importance of maternal health services
Family planning and hygiene practices
Participants demonstrated better knowledge of available services and support mechanisms.
5.3 Behavioral and Social Change
Increased willingness among women to report GBV incidents
Improved openness in discussing GBV within the community
Increased interest in antenatal care and health facility visits
Positive engagement of men and boys in supporting women’s rights
5.4 Strengthened Community Engagement
Community leaders became more involved in addressing GBV issues
Enhanced dialogue between community members and volunteers
Increased trust in local awareness initiatives
5.5 Women and Girls Empowerment
Women and girls reported feeling more confident to speak about their rights
Increased participation in community discussions
Improved awareness of personal health and protection
6. Key Achievements
Successfully delivered integrated GBV and SRHR messaging
Strengthened role of female volunteers as community change agents
Improved community-level understanding of health and protection issues
Fostered inclusive discussions involving both women and men
7. Challenges Encountered
Cultural norms limiting open discussion of GBV
Stigma associated with reporting violence
Limited availability of nearby health and GBV support services
Low literacy levels affecting comprehension
8. Lessons Learned
Female-led outreach significantly improves access to women and girls
Community dialogue is essential for addressing sensitive issues
Engaging men and boys enhances acceptance and impact
Continuous awareness is necessary for sustained behavior change
9. Recommendations
Scale up awareness campaigns to reach more communities
Strengthen referral systems for GBV survivors and SRHR services
Increase collaboration with health facilities and local authorities
Conduct continuous follow-up sessions to reinforce learning
Expand training for volunteers and community leaders
10. Sustainability and Way Forward
SCSS will continue to:
Build the capacity of female volunteers
Strengthen community-based structures
Promote ongoing awareness and advocacy
Engage stakeholders to improve service delivery
The project laid a strong foundation for long-term community resilience, improved health outcomes, and reduced GBV risks.
11. Conclusion
The integrated GBV and SRHR awareness campaign in Kon-beek Boma demonstrated that community-driven approaches can effectively improve knowledge, shift attitudes, and empower vulnerable populations.
Despite existing challenges, the campaign achieved meaningful impact and provides a scalable model for future interventions aimed at strengthening women’s rights, health, and community accountability systems.