Ms. Allen Samanya Zabibu

Allen Samanya Zabibu is a dedicated South Sudanese professional born on July 26, 1992, who has devoted over 13 years of her career to protecting and empowering vulnerable populations, particularly women and children affected by gender-based violence. Currently residing in Juba and serving as a GBV Officer in Raja, Allen brings a unique combination of academic excellence and practical field experience to her vital work in community protection and social justice.

Her educational foundation is built upon a Bachelor's degree in Social Work and Administration, which provided her with the theoretical framework and practical skills necessary for effective community intervention and program management. This academic background has been instrumental in shaping her approach to addressing complex social issues and implementing evidence-based solutions in challenging environments.

Allen's professional journey began in 2012 when she joined Plan International as a Child Protection Assistant, where she spent three formative years (2012–2015) developing her expertise in safeguarding vulnerable children and understanding the intricate dynamics of protection work in humanitarian settings. This early experience laid the groundwork for her specialized focus on gender-based violence prevention and response.

In 2017, Allen expanded her expertise by taking on the role of Women Support Officer with Health Link South Sudan, where she implemented comprehensive GBV programs that integrated health services with protection interventions. This position allowed her to develop a holistic understanding of how gender-based violence intersects with health outcomes and community well-being, skills that continue to inform her current practice.

Her commitment to professional development is evident in her extensive training portfolio, which includes specialized certifications in GBV concepts and guiding principles, Gender-Based Violence Information Management System (GBVIMS), comprehensive case management, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (PSEA), community care approaches, business management and bookkeeping, managing gender in emergencies, and engaging men through accountability practices. This diverse skill set enables her to approach gender-based violence from multiple angles and implement comprehensive, culturally sensitive interventions.

In 2023, Allen took on the dual role of GBV Officer and Community Care Focal Person, where she demonstrated exceptional leadership in coordinating community-based protection mechanisms and building local capacity for sustainable violence prevention. Her current position as GBV Officer (2024–2025) represents the culmination of her professional growth and her ongoing commitment to creating safer communities for women and girls across South Sudan.

Allen's professional competencies extend beyond direct service delivery to include training and capacity building, coordination and partnership development, and advocacy for women, peace, and security. She possesses a remarkable ability to communicate complex ideas in accessible ways tailored to different audiences, making her an effective trainer and facilitator. Her proven experience in building effective relationships and working in partnership with other NGOs has been crucial in creating collaborative approaches to addressing gender-based violence at the community level.

As a practicing Muslim, Allen brings a deep understanding of cultural sensitivity and religious considerations to her work, enabling her to build trust and rapport with diverse communities while maintaining her unwavering commitment to promoting equality, safety, and dignity for all. Her personal values align seamlessly with WOJE's mission, making her an invaluable member of the team working toward gender justice and social transformation in South Sudan.