11 December 2014 - Women’s groups in Maridi County, Western Equatoria State, learned new skills in conflict mitigation during an UNMISS-organized workshop today.

UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer Samuel Sarpong said women were found to be peace makers and could pass information to community members in promoting peace and dialogue when conflict erupted.

“The role of women in society is known,” Mr. Sarpong said. “They hold key positions in … (the) family and also in community issues. We think that if we equip them with the skills of conflict mitigation their capacity will be improved.”

They were first taught to understand dynamics of conflict and its impact at any level, and then to plan how the parties could be resolve their dispute.

Mr. Sarpong said the reason for organizing the workshop in Maridi was because women’s groups there were well-organized and from diverse tribes. They had lived together without conflict for decades, and the workshop would strengthen their ability to resolve conflict through dialogue.

“Even if there is no confrontation or military fight in Western Equatoria State, still there is need to sensitize the community on the danger of conflict,” Mr. Sarpong added.

He said conflict was part of human and social dynamics. In a situation with more than two persons, there were different interests, expectations and understanding. People should understand this and manage it well to create a peaceful atmosphere for children to grow in.

Women participants said they saw the skills they learned at the workshop as vital in advocating for peaceful resolutions to conflict in the community and South Sudan at large.

“As from today, I know the root causes of conflict, where it starts and how it can be resolved -- from home to the government,” said Esther Selemon.

Another participant, Roi Bullen, said she was in the dark about conflict before. “Today I have learned a lot of things about the conflict which is happening to us in South Sudan. I know it now how it starts and ends.”