Ngovu village was a peaceful place to live before conflict erupted in the area three years ago.

The violence forced all of its inhabitants to flee to other areas within the Western Bahr El Ghazal region of South Sudan.

A march that began at Bahr El Ghazal University, winding through Wau town’s streets with fanfare, terminated at the Wau Stadium, where a tug-of-peace contest awaited eager participants and spectators.

Women leaders representing four administrative areas in the Bahr el Ghazal region are demanding full implementation of the 35% affirmative action provided for in the revitalized peace agreement, saying they are currently marginalised and under-represented at all levels of government.