More than 30 women, including widows and mothers who lost relatives in communal violence, have completed training on trauma healing, resilience and peacebuilding in Rumbek, organizers said Monday.
The three-day training was held under the Bridge of Peace women’s program supported by the Peace Canal organization and funded by the U.K. government through the Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund (POF). It brought together women affected by inter-clan conflicts in Rumbek North County, Lakes State.
Mary Adit, one of the participants, said the training helped her cope with the loss of her only son, who was killed during fighting in Wun-rieng Payam in Rumbek North.
“I lost my son in clashes among the Niel-niel community. It hurt me deeply,” she told Radio Tamazuj. “During the training and through reading the Bible, I realized that my son was given to me by God and that God also took him back.”
Adit said she has chosen forgiveness instead of revenge.
“When I thought about what happened, I decided to pray for my remaining children and for the community, even for those who killed my son,” she said. “There is nothing gained from revenge.”
She urged families who lost relatives in communal conflicts to reject revenge killings and instead promote reconciliation.
Adhieu Ater Majok, another participant from Rumbek Central County, said the training helped women understand their role in promoting peace.
“This training opened our minds,” she said. “Many revenge killings are influenced by the pain of widows and mothers who lost husbands or sons, but now we have learned to advocate for peace instead of revenge.”
Rebecca Agum Gumnok, a member of Peace Canal, said the women received three days of training focused on reconciliation and peaceful coexistence.
She said many participants had lost family members during violence in Wun-rieng Payam but have since returned to their communities to raise awareness about peace.
“These women are now encouraging peace instead of revenge killings,” she said, adding that tensions in parts of Rumbek North have eased as a result.
Deborah Abak, a facilitator with the Bridge of Peace program, said the initiative focuses on topics including understanding peace, women’s role as peace advocates, trauma healing and resilience.
“The program creates a safe space where women can share their experiences and strengthen their connections as peace advocates in their communities,” she said.
Abak said many women who previously carried deep trauma found relief after sharing their experiences during the training.
“When people carry pain for a long time, it affects them emotionally,” she said. “But when they share their stories, they begin to heal.”
She said some participants who previously mourned their loved ones have now become advocates for peace and reconciliation in their communities.