Gender-based and sexual violence is a global reality that often goes unreported. In South Sudan, the \u00abPeace of Her Mind Center\u00bb in Juba\u2014supported by Mission 21\u2014is 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n The extent of gender-based violence worldwide stems from deeply rooted patriarchal structures\u2014and 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.<\/p>\n In an interview with the UN radio station Radio Miraya, Florence Hakim, coordinator of Mission 21 in South Sudan, explains the center\u2019s holistic approach, which goes far beyond immediate emergency aid:<\/p>\n A Place of Hope for Women: The \u00abPeace of Her Mind Center\u00bb in Juba is intended to be a place of hope, strength, and self-determination. Photo: Silvano Yokwe<\/small><\/p>\n\t 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.<\/p>\n The income they earn themselves fundamentally changes families\u2019 lives and ensures their daily survival: As a result, women are able to independently provide enough food for their families and pay their children\u2019s school fees.<\/p>\n 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\u2014such as those on making reusable menstrual pads. This initiative addresses an important health need while also educating participants about sustainability.<\/p>\n Nora Zangabeyo leads the work on the ground. Many of the women who come to her have lost loved ones in the country\u2019s ongoing conflicts or are experiencing domestic violence. The center provides them with the space they need for connection and healing. \u00abOur vision is to support, strengthen, and empower women to become self-reliant\u2014for themselves, their families, and their country,\u00bb Zangabeyo emphasizes.<\/p>\n 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\u2019s 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\u2019s daily lives.<\/p>\n When roadblocks or security risks cut off the women\u2019s access to the center, Nora Zangabeyo doesn\u2019t let them down: She switches to home visits to conduct one-on-one counseling sessions.<\/p>\n Despite all the setbacks, attitudes are changing\u2014albeit 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:<\/p>\n Since victims of violence\u2014especially in remote regions\u2014are 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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\nListen now:<\/strong>Three Pillars for a New Beginning: Protect, Strengthen, Transform<\/h3>\n
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Measurable Successes and Concrete Prospects<\/h3>\n
Survival in a Crisis Context<\/h3>\n
\n \u00abDespite all the problems, we women from South Sudan are very resilient. And this country belongs to us women, too.\u00bb\n<\/blockquote>\n
The safety net is expanding<\/h3>\n
\nYou can listen to the original radio interview with our coordinator, Florence Hakim, on Radio Miraya here:\n\t