In November 2021, Community Development Aid (CODAID) took bold steps to challenge long-standing gender-based injustices across Budi County, South Sudan. Through a series of impactful community outreach activities, our team tackled deep-rooted cultural practices, gender-based violence (GBV), child labor, and harmful alcohol abuse—issues that continue to threaten the safety and dignity of women and children in the region.
🔹 Planned Activities
This month’s gender-focused efforts included:
- Community awareness on Child Labor and the rights of the child
- Outreach campaigns on Gender-Based Violence (GBV) against women and girls
- Dialogues on Girl Child Compensation and Forced Marriages
- Education on the dangers of heavy alcohol consumption
🧒🏽 Child Labor and the Rights of a Child
Awareness sessions in Piobokoi Boma, Lotukei Payam, and Nagishot Boma revealed alarming ignorance among parents and guardians about children’s rights. Many still believe that young girls are meant for domestic work and early marriage rather than education.
Our team emphasized that overworking young girls not only violates South Sudan’s Child Act but also puts them at serious risk of health complications. Parents were encouraged to invest in girls’ education for a healthier, more equitable future.
Population reached: 173 (91 men, 82 women)
👩🏿🦰 Understanding Gender-Based Violence
In markets, public gatherings, and exclusive women’s meetings, CODAID facilitated open dialogues on GBV. Women bravely shared their experiences with domestic violence, rape, divorce, and social marginalization. Alarming statistics emerged—7 in 10 women reported facing abuse in their lifetimes.
Participants identified poverty, unequal resource distribution, and entrenched cultural beliefs as key contributors. CODAID advocated for training Boma Chiefs and involving local authorities to help eliminate these harmful norms.
Population reached: 246 (67 men, 179 women)
💔 The Harsh Reality of Girl Child Compensation & Forced Marriage
On 30th November, during the 16 Days of Activism, CODAID collaborated with partners (CDSS, ROG, and ITWAK) to raise awareness about child marriage and the horrific practice of using girls as compensation in disputes.
During the colorful event, students from Chukudum Secondary School performed powerful drama pieces exposing the harm caused by rape, early pregnancy, and gender discrimination. Community members learned that girls are not commodities—they are human beings with rights and dreams.
Population reached: 551 (240 men, 311 women)
🍺 Alcohol Abuse: A Root Cause of Violence
Alcohol abuse continues to devastate families in Budi. CODAID identified it as a leading factor behind domestic violence, physical assault, and even murder. On 19th November, two men in Kikilai Boma lost their hands in a violent alcohol-fueled confrontation.
Local authorities are working to enforce a ban on the illegal alcoholic drink known as “Guu”, imported from Uganda. CODAID supports this action, continuously warning communities about the dangers of alcohol and encouraging women to seek safer income-generating alternatives.
Population reached: 811 (308 men, 503 women)
📸 In Action
📍 Celebration of 16 Days of Activism – “Take Action, Be Accountable, End Violence Against Women and Girls”
📍 Community awareness in Chukudum and Lorema – Discussing harmful cultural norms and alcohol abuse
📍 Enforcement in Lotukei Payam HQ – Beer “Guu” publicly destroyed to mitigate GBV and related crimes
🚧 Challenges on the Ground
- Difficult community mobilization due to farming and domestic duties
- Inaccessible locations due to mountainous terrain—staff had to travel on foot
- Rising insecurity along Ngauro-Kapoeta road affected timely service delivery
- Some community members resisted cultural critique, viewing it as interference
💡 Lessons Learned
- Awareness campaigns must balance cultural sensitivity with human rights advocacy
- More local partnerships are needed to reinforce legal protection for women and girls
- The link between COVID-19 school closures and early pregnancies must be addressed urgently
🩺 Additional Activities
- Health talks on COVID-19 prevention and home hygiene
- Official launch of the 16 Days of Activism celebration on 30th November
✊ Our Commitment
At CODAID, we believe that every child deserves protection, every woman deserves dignity, and every harmful norm can be unlearned. Through these monthly engagements, we are sowing the seeds of transformation—village by village, voice by voice.
We call upon all partners, leaders, and community members to stand with us in ending violence against women and girls in Budi County—and beyond.
