Promoting Positive Environments for Women and Girls: Guidelines for women and girl friendly spaces in South Sudan

The creation of ‘friendly spaces’ for women and girls has been a key strategy in the protection and empowerment of women and and girls in South Sudan since conflict re-erupted in the country in December 2013. This document provides guidance on the aims of these spaces, and how they can best be established and managed in the South Sudan context. The methodology for drawing the guidelines consisted of a desk review of reports and guidance from other humanitarian contexts as well as field-based data collection in South Sudan, including discussions with managers and staff of organisations involved in the protection and empowerment of women in South Sudan, particularly those managing women-friendly spaces and similar facilities in Juba (Central Equatoria State), Akobo (Jonglei State) and Malakal (Upper Nile State). The guidance is also based on discussions with women and adolescent girls in Akobo and Malakal, plus representatives of male and female leadership in those locations, and groups of male community members.