Invisible Wounds: South Sudan confronts the intersection of disability, mental health, and GBV

2026-03-13 - 14:46

JUBA, South Sudan (Eye Radio) – In South Sudan, a name is often more than an identity; it is a map of the era in which a child was born. For those born during the liberation struggle, the name “Tong” is a common reminder of conflict, meaning both “war” and “spear” in the Dinka language. “Most children born in a Dinka Community during the war were called Tong to remind them of the difficult times,” shared a speaker at a high-level panel discussion held recently at the University of Juba. “I don’t want to associate it with war, but I believe it is a spear—a tool for protection.” This reflection on names—symbols of both protection and pain—set the stage for a critical dialogue titled “Invisible Wounds.” Organized under the RESPECT Project (implemented by GIZ and funded by Germany and the EU), the event marked International Women’s Day 2026. This year, the global community commemorates the day under the theme: “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls,” while the #GiveToGain campaign urges investment to accelerate equality. The context for the discussion is sobering. South Sudan currently ranks as having the second-highest prevalence of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in East Africa for married women aged 15–49. Nationwide surveys reveal that nearly 50% of women in this demographic have experienced physical or sexual violence in their lifetime. For women and girls with disabilities, the risks are even more acute. National data indicates that disability prevalence is higher among females (6%) than males (4%), yet these women face the steepest barriers to reporting abuse. “Invisible because trauma and exclusion are often unseen,” noted German Ambassador Gregory during his opening remarks. “Wounds because violence, stigma, and barriers leave deep scars on bodies, minds, and futures.” The psychological toll of protracted conflict remains largely unmet. Experts estimate that 22% of the population in conflict settings is at risk of long-term mental health impairment. In South Sudan, this is compounded by a near absence of specialized services. Dr. Atong, a psychiatrist from Juba Teaching Hospital, joined the panel to highlight how violence and social isolation create a cycle of trauma. The discussion identified critical gaps in current policies, noting that 75% of people with disabilities experience significant disadvantages when trying to access aid or justice. The symbolism of identity continued with the international partners. EU Ambassador Pelle Ianarsson noted his name means “son of a bold soldier.” “Let me be a soldier for women’s rights,” Ianarsson declared, noting that the number of South Sudanese living with disabilities may now exceed 1.1 million people. “No society can achieve true equality while women and girls with disabilities remain invisible.” The panel, which included representatives from the Ministry of Gender, MHPSS practitioners from Malteser International, and advocates from Disabled Persons Organizations (DPOs), outlined a “chain of change.” This model starts with immediate safety and moves toward economic resilience. A survivor and disability advocate opened the session by sharing her story, putting a human face on the statistics. Her testimony underscored the event’s core objectives ensuring clinics, like the One-Stop Center in Yei, are physically and socially accessible, engaging men and boys to challenge the social norms that lead to stigma, as well as moving beyond the 35% gender quota in peace processes to ensure women with disabilities have a seat at the legislative table. As the University students and government officials looked on, the call to action was clear. To move from “Tom” (war) to “Respect” (peace), South Sudan must invest in the mental and physical safety of its most vulnerable citizens. “Let us see what has long been invisible,” Ambassador Gregory concluded. “And let us take concrete action so that no girl is left behind.”