Moustapha Soumaré, deputy head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, has praised the resilience, determination and progress demonstrated and made by South Sudanese women in making their concerns count in the ongoing peace process.
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![Women leaders from across the country at the South Sudan Open Days Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/deputy_head_of_unmiss_praises_womens_participation_in_peace_process_13_march_2018_-_photo1.jpg?itok=VnC4E4Zx)
Women leaders from across the country at the South Sudan Open Days Dialogue on Women, Peace and Security.
![unmiss essay competition nationwide how can women contribute to durable peace in South Sudan](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/unmiss_launches_nationwide_essay_competition_on_womens_role_in_peace_building_9_march_2018_-_photo1.jpg?itok=DZUwsR24)
Join the UN Mission's nationwide essay competition for secondary students by telling us: "How can women contribute to durable peace in South Sudan?" Deadline for submissions is 26 March.
![UNMISS South Sudan iwd international women's day field offices photo story protection of civilians gender-based violence the time is now](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/photo_of_pibor_women_road_opening_february_2018.jpg?itok=aC1n-a5x)
In South Sudan, years of conflict have subjected women to unspeakable atrocities. Yet they carry on, sometimes with the support of the UN family and other humanitarian actors.
![UNMISS South Sudan protection of civilians Yei durable peace livelihoods peacekeeping](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/yei_women_engage_in_creative_activities_to_improve_livelihoods_heal_trauma_7_march_-_photo_2.jpg?itok=CNd_sJXG)
![UNMISS South Sudan Wau protection of civilians action plan voluntary return IDPs displaced persons durable peace](https://unmiss.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/styles/380x220/public/field/image/un_and_partners_in_wau_implementing_action_plan_for_voluntary_return_of_displaced_people_6_march_2018_-_photo.jpg?itok=TTvu7h7H)
The number of displaced persons staying at the UN protection size has decreased significantly, from a high of 39,000 to approximately 25,000.