On Thursday, November 28, 2024, the national Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare (MGCSW) convened a one-day workshop to review and validate the National Social Protection Policy Framework (NSPPF) in Juba.
The National Social Protection Policy Framework is a pivotal instrument in advancing social protection in the country. It is an important prerequisite in the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of social protection programs for women, children, refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and other disadvantaged and vulnerable groups in the country. The policy once ascended to law through the act of parliament, will provide the pillar for guiding actions that are geared towards advancing support to the neediest and vulnerable communities across the country.
The policy also includes strategies for addressing gender-based violence (GBV), especially violence against women and girls (VWG), and other forms of violence targeting disadvantaged and vulnerable groups that are very common in the country.
The purpose of the workshop was to provide a forum for relevant stakeholders to review the monitoring and implementation plan for the policy and move it to the next stage of developing the NSPP bill that will become a legal instrument for the formulation, implementation, and monitoring of social protection programs in the country. Participants included technical specialists from government agencies, national and international non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, women and youth organizations, associations, and the media.
During the workshop, the participants reviewed the National Social Protection Policy Framework, provided their feedback, and validated the framework for progression to the next stage of developing a bill.
Hon. Ayaa, Benjamin Warile, the minister of MGCSW, officiated the workshop and thanked all stakeholders present for their efforts, stressing the importance of the policy because “gender-based violence is an issue in this country; this country is a social welfare country. All citizens in South Sudan are vulnerable and eligible for social protection.” Thus, it is important “to make laws to protect the vulnerable in society and meet the basic needs of various groups.” She pointed out that addressing the needs of all groups is a necessary step towards building a sustainable and peaceful future because people don’t commit unlawful actions, including GBV and other forms of violence, if their needs are met.
South Sudan is benchmarking the Republic of Ethiopia, which has made significant advancements in social protection, to develop this policy. The workshop happened after a series of consultative and learning visits by staff from MGCSW to Ethiopia, where social protection programs targeting vulnerable groups are having a significant impact.
