The governor of South Sudan’s Western Bahr El Ghazal State has vowed to enforce laws and regulations that protect women against gender-based violence.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Sunday, Sarah Cleto Rial said law enforcement agencies must be strengthened to adequately deal with cases of gender-based violence.

“Women experience gender-based violence, sexual violence, and are victimized against, but yet when they go and report the don’t feel protected by the law,” she said.

She called on all communities to respect women and provide them the necessary support they need. She also urged women to report any cases of violence and violations against them.

“All these laws should be implemented. We have witnessed on many occasions that criminals and perpetrators are not punished. This should be stopped,” Cleto stressed.

The governor pledged to work closely with organizations that support gender issues and develop mechanisms of reporting GBV and addressing such cases.

On a different note, the governor called for reconciliation and rebuilding of trust among communities living in Wau. 

“We want to initiate a campaign to reconcile our people. We want to rebuild that social cohesion that has been broken and people divided into ethnic lines,” she said.

Cleto promised to work with community leaders, youth, and women to rebuild trust, confidence, and unity among different communities.