21 August 2013 – Some 25 women took part in a forum at Juba Civic Engagement Center today aimed at their achievements, challenges, return from abroad and access to information.

Organized by UNMISS, participants comprised members of the legislative assembly and civil society, who shared their views on topics ranging from microfinance and business opportunities to gender-based violence.

Two years after independence in South Sudan, women still face extreme challenges, but are focused on the way forward.

Their discussions reflected on the country's situation and strategies for progress, including the need to draw more women into politics and develop their own national strategy as well as capacity building for their gender in business as well as public speaking.

"It was important, it is these small things that are connecting to the big things," participant Lorna Merekaji, of the South Sudan Engagement Monitoring and Observation Program, said of the forum.

Paleki Obur, CEO of South Sudan Women Empowerment Network, ended the session by saying, "Let's not limit ourselves to what we can do."