2019 — Founding of Rise Initiative for Women’s Right Advocacy (RiWA), South Sudan
Founded in 2019 in South Sudan, Rise Initiative for Women’s Right Advocacy (RiWA) works primarily with the LGBTIQ community, with a specific focus on trans women, intersex people and children, as well as youth and survivors of gender-based violence. RiWA promotes and protects the rights of LGBTIQ persons through advocacy, human rights education, psychosocial support, and leadership development. We also use sports, particularly women’s football, as a platform to empower young women and advocate for equality and inclusion. RiWA was registered in 2021.
Maono
To envisage a peaceful country offering the LGBTIQ community an opportunity to participate in the socio-economic development decisions and activities in South Sudan where they are accorded full and equal dignity without prejudice.
Dhamira
To empower and amplify the voices of women, girls, and marginalised communities through human rights education, advocacy, and leadership development, fostering equality and social justice in South Sudan.
Malengo/Madhumuni
- Promote gender equality and womxn’s empowerment.
- Protect and advance the rights of LGBTIQ persons and other marginalised groups.
- Prevent and respond to gender-based violence through awareness and psychosocial support.
- Strengthen youth leadership and participation in social change.
- Use sports and creative platforms for community mobilisation and advocacy.
Maeneo Yanayolengwa
- Gender Equality and Womxn’s Empowerment
- Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
- Human Rights and Access to Justice
- Mental Health and Psychosocial Support
- Sports for Empowerment and Advocacy
- Human Rights Documentation and Protection
Trans and Intersex Programmes
Trans programme
RiWA provides dedicated support to the transgender community in South Sudan, who face high levels of stigma, violence, and exclusion. RiWA’s work includes emergency protection, safe shelter referrals, psychosocial support, and accompaniment for those facing threats or abuse.
The organisation also documents human rights violations against trans people and uses this evidence for advocacy at local and national levels. Through leadership training and community organising, RiWA empowers trans activists to participate in decision-making and strengthen their visibility and safety.
Key areas of our support include:
- Emergency assistance and protection.
- Psychosocial support and healing spaces.
- Documentation of human rights violations.
- Leadership development and capacity building.
Intersex programme
RiWA’s Intersex Community of South Sudan (ICS) Initiative is aimed at addressing issues affecting intersex children and persons in South Sudan. This Initiative is the first of its kind in South Sudan, and is focused on visibility, protection, and empowerment of intersex people. RiWA creates safe spaces for intersex individuals and families, facilitates peer-support groups, and conducts community awareness to challenge stigma and harmful practices, including non-consensual medical interventions.
The Initiative focuses on:
- Community building and peer support.
- Advocacy against harmful practices.
- Research and data collection.
- Medical community engagement.
- Empowerment and leadership.
Wasiliana
Tovuti
+211915217117
Barua pepe: riwasouthsudan@gmail.com / info@riwasouthsudan.org
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