Judd brings #MeToo spirit to South Sudan
In her first visit to civilwar-torn South Sudan, actress Ashley Judd had a message for survivors of sexual assault in a countrywhere rape is a widespread weapon. “I see you, I love you and I’m here for you,” she said in an interview with The Associated Press.
Seated on the floor and surrounded bywomen in a maternity hospital in aUnitedNations camp in the capital, Juba, the global ambassador for theU.N. Population Fund wiped tears fromher eyes and told the mothers:“We’re allwomen, andwe’re all the same.”
Juddwas among the first to come forward last year with allegations of sexual harassment againstHollywood mogulHarveyWeinstein. Eight months since speaking out, she has become a prominent face of the #MeToomovement, helpingwomen around theworld combat sexual abuse and hold their perpetrators to account.
While themovement has gained global momentum, however, manywomen in conflict-affected countries like South Sudan still suffer in silence. Five years of fighting have killed tens of thousands and displaced millions.
South Sudan’s government says it encourages survivors to speak out but acknowledges thewidespread taboo and fear of repercussions.
In an attempt to combat gender-based violence, the U.N. Population Fund last year launched an initiative to reduce practices like forced childhood marriage.