Peace of Her Mind: A Safe Haven from Violence in South Sudan
Gender-based and sexual violence is a global reality that often goes unreported. In South Sudan, the «Peace of Her Mind Center» in Juba—supported by Mission 21—is breaking the silence. A radio report by Radio Miraya, along with on-the-ground reports, provides deep insights into work that is transforming lives under extreme conditions.
The extent of gender-based violence worldwide stems from deeply rooted patriarchal structures—and this is also the case in South Sudan, where patriarchal norms are difficult to break down, regardless of religious affiliation. Where government protection measures leave gaps, partnerships between civil society and churches must step in to ensure safe spaces. The Peace of Her Mind Center, established in the capital city of Juba, is one such refuge.
Three Pillars for a New Beginning: Protect, Strengthen, Transform
In an interview with the UN radio station Radio Miraya, Florence Hakim, coordinator of Mission 21 in South Sudan, explains the center’s holistic approach, which goes far beyond immediate emergency aid:
- Psychosocial Support & Healing: Women who have experienced trauma find a safe space at the center for sharing their experiences, receiving psychosocial support, and working through their trauma. In addition to confidential conversations, the program also includes bodywork and self-care to help those affected by violence find their way back to a sense of balance.
- Economic Independence & Entrepreneurship: Since a lack of financial independence is a key problem, the center offers practical training programs, such as tailoring courses and training in running one’s own small business. The long-term goal is for the women to apply these skills independently in their own villages and communities to build a sustainable livelihood there.
- Conflict Resolution in Practice: In training sessions, women learn to actively participate in conflict resolution within their immediate social circles. This successful program has already opened up new perspectives for hundreds of women affected by such issues.
A Place of Hope for Women: The «Peace of Her Mind Center» in Juba is intended to be a place of hope, strength, and self-determination. Photo: Silvano Yokwe
Measurable Successes and Concrete Prospects
The tangible success stories of the center, which opened in 2025, demonstrate that this concept works: Many of the graduates have already taken the plunge into self-employment and successfully launched their own small businesses. In the courses, they learn specifically how to understand the dynamics of the various markets in the capital, Juba, so they can produce exactly the products that are actually in demand.
The income they earn themselves fundamentally changes families’ lives and ensures their daily survival: As a result, women are able to independently provide enough food for their families and pay their children’s school fees.
All programs at the center are completely free and open to any woman without prior registration. Every day, participants come together to take part in workshops—such as those on making reusable menstrual pads. This initiative addresses an important health need while also educating participants about sustainability.
Nora Zangabeyo leads the work on the ground. Many of the women who come to her have lost loved ones in the country’s ongoing conflicts or are experiencing domestic violence. The center provides them with the space they need for connection and healing. «Our vision is to support, strengthen, and empower women to become self-reliant—for themselves, their families, and their country,» Zangabeyo emphasizes.
Survival in a Crisis Context
The work is being carried out under extreme conditions. The already precarious situation in the country has worsened dramatically: The ongoing war in neighboring Sudan has triggered one of the world’s largest refugee flows. Hundreds of thousands of people are seeking refuge in South Sudan, pushing the overcrowded camps and the already dire food situation to the brink of collapse. In addition, many aid organizations on the ground are lacking crucial funding, as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has drastically cut its funding. Environmental disasters such as severe flooding, political tensions, and blocked roads in Juba further complicate people’s daily lives.
When roadblocks or security risks cut off the women’s access to the center, Nora Zangabeyo doesn’t let them down: She switches to home visits to conduct one-on-one counseling sessions.
Despite all the setbacks, attitudes are changing—albeit slowly. More and more female role models are emerging who demonstrate that women can take on leadership roles. Nora Zangabeyo consistently encourages the participants to take on responsibility and to seek public office. Her message is marked by boundless courage:
«Despite all the problems, we women from South Sudan are very resilient. And this country belongs to us women, too.»
The safety net is expanding
Since victims of violence—especially in remote regions—are often left entirely to fend for themselves and have little access to reliable support or safe havens, Mission 21 is already planning the next step together with its local partners: In the future, the center’s support and counseling services are to be expanded beyond the capital, Juba, to other communities across the country, in order to offer even more women protection, hope for the future, and, above all, renewed confidence.
Listen now:
You can listen to the original radio interview with our coordinator, Florence Hakim, on Radio Miraya here:
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