The effects of war and colonization on South Sudanese women
- Nyabuoy Gatbel
- Jun 16, 2024
- 3 min read
South Sudan, since its inception, has been known as a nation that doesn't protect its women and girls, the most vulnerable population in the country, especially during times of war and civil conflicts. The female body is seen as an object used in war to intimidate, embarrass, undermine and ruin the honour of the other tribe, community or political party. Since the female body is seen as belonging to a family, clan, community or tribe, using them as tools of war is an attempt to break the supposed enemies' spirit.
Under the Khartoum regime, South Sudanese women weren't protected either. They were still the most vulnerable female population in the country due to their men being powerless at the time. Under the Khartoum government, the South Sudanese woman had no rights compared to her northern counterpart as in women from the Arab or privileged background in Sudan. She was never seen during the southern region administrative days, and today in her nation, she's often the victim of ongoing civil wars in her country.
According to human rights watch, rape, gang rapes, and sexual violence committed against South Sudanese women have become "just a normal thing" in the country and have become an experience for most women and girls. The ongoing violence committed against South Sudanese women has caused women to lose trust in their nation since crimes committed against them are never taken seriously or tried in court. No working court system in South Sudan can protect women.
If we want the women in South Sudan to heal from violence committed against their personhood, there has to be accountability as proposed by Refugees International. As you can see, the refugees international is calling for the government of South Sudan to be accountable for the protection and health of its women. It is the government's responsibility to ensure human rights are respected and upheld throughout society and make sure that if those rights are violated, the consequences could be dire. The government is being urged to work together with its multiple organizations and relevant parties in the country and the international arena to solve this ongoing violence against women.
The cost of warfare and colonization of South Sudanese women is continuous violence against their bodies and a lack of respect for their existence beyond what they can do for the tribe, community and nation. Our women have become objectified, and as objects, society has treated them poorly. They have suffered the loss of personal identity, a lack of trust in the state, military, police officers, and men in power. Village chiefs and their ways haven't helped protect them either since it's only the government that can bring stability. They have lost faith in their community to see their pain, suffering and invisible illness and the complete lack of trust in anyone coming to their aid. The state of lawlessness has taught them that they have no one to rely on but themselves.
In conclusion, the future of South Sudan rests on women being healed, loved, protected and provided for by their country and the systems in place to ensure their safety collective well-being and prosperity. Services, capital and laws have to be committed to the liberation and well-being of women in South Sudan. They have to be seen as independent of husbands, partners, children and their contributions to society. As individuals, they need to be helped and healed accordingly.
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