Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The National Minister of Health and Acting Gender Minister, Sarah Celto Rail, has officially launched the 2025 “16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, warning that new forms of digital abuse pose an increasing threat to women and girls in South Sudan.
Speaking on state-run SSBC Television on Monday evening, Rial said the rise of smartphones and online platforms has exposed young people—especially teenage girls—to harassment, cyberbullying, exploitation, threats, and the non-consensual sharing of intimate content.
“Digital violence… has emerged as a growing threat to women and girls globally and here at home in South Sudan,” she said. “Teenagers and young people are particularly at risk due to increased access to smartphones and online platforms.”
Rail acknowledged progress made through national policies, awareness campaigns, and advocacy efforts but stressed that efforts remain insufficient to match the scale of the problem.
“More action is urgently needed. Ending gender-based violence is a collective responsibility. It requires coordinated action, commitment, and courage from all sectors of society,” she said.
The Minister urged communities, institutions, and government agencies to use the annual 16-day campaign—and the period beyond it—to push for lasting change.
“Let us use these 16 days and every day after that to work together toward a country where every woman and girl can live with dignity, safety, and freedom,” Rail concluded.
The 16 Days of Activism campaign is a global initiative observed annually from 25 November to 10 December, aimed at raising awareness and driving action to end gender-based violence.
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