Community Care Participants Share Transformative Impact During UNICEF and German Embassy Field Monitoring Visit
Representatives from UNICEF and the Embassy of Germany recently conducted a field monitoring visit to engage directly with Community Care participants and gain firsthand insight into the programme's impact on individuals, families, and communities. The visit provided an opportunity for participants to reflect on the changes they have experienced since taking part in the initiative and to share their aspirations for sustaining these positive outcomes.
During the discussions, participants described how the Community Care programme has significantly increased awareness of the services available to survivors of sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), enabling community members to seek timely support and refer survivors to appropriate care. They also shared that the programme has strengthened peaceful conflict resolution by encouraging dialogue, mutual understanding, and cooperation in addressing community disputes.
Participants further highlighted a growing commitment among families to prioritize girls' education over early marriage, recognizing education as a pathway to empowerment and a brighter future. Community members noted that awareness sessions and regular dialogue have contributed to shifting harmful social norms and fostering more positive attitudes that promote the protection, dignity, and well-being of women, girls, children, and other vulnerable groups.
The monitoring visit also provided an opportunity for participants to discuss the importance of community ownership in sustaining these achievements. They emphasized that the knowledge and skills gained through the programme have strengthened their ability to identify protection concerns, support survivors with compassion, and work collectively to prevent violence before it occurs.
The testimonies shared during the visit reaffirm the meaningful impact of the Community Care programme in building safer, more inclusive, and resilient communities. By promoting positive social norms, strengthening local protection systems, and empowering communities to become active agents of change, the programme continues to contribute to a future where women, girls, and children can live free from violence and discrimination.
Women for Justice and Equality (WOJE) remains committed to working alongside communities, UNICEF, and development partners to strengthen community-led protection initiatives that advance gender equality, safeguard the rights of women and children, and foster lasting peace and social cohesion across South Sudan.
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