As part of an ongoing series of open peace forums for women across South Sudan, UNMISS held a similar event in Juba today.

UNMISS Gender Officer Gladys Jambi said the forum was aimed at reflecting on women’s involvement and achievements in peace building, women protection and security issues, and participation in leadership at both the state and other decision making levels.

“South Sudanese women have recognized the need to strengthen their (efforts) in peace building,” she said.

Ms. Jambi said another objective was to establish women’s community peacebuilding and dialogue forums at the state level and promote awareness of gender-based violence.

Speaking at the opening of the one-day workshop, UNMISS Central Equatoria State Coordinator John Ugolo said the mission has a policy of mainstreaming gender into all its activities.

“This forum will discuss issues that will help to mainstream gender activities and ideologies into the institutions of Central Equatoria State,” said Mr. Ugolo.

Addressing more than 15 participants at the workshop, the UNMISS official stressed the importance of education for women and girls.

“When you educate a woman or a female, you educate the entire community,” he said. “Women have positive impact on men, boys, girls, and even other women in the communities.”

Sunday Isaac Mogga, a participant, said it was vital to help strengthen women’s capabilities in contributing to peace in the community and declared that, “without a woman in the community, there is no peace.”

Melania Celestino Itto of Solidarity for Women’s Rights, a non-governmental organization, said dealing with the society is not very easy as such there always challenges.

“We need patience to engage (in our) roles to bring peace to our communities,” she said, adding that she would preach the message of peace to her children, neighbors and the entire community.

The Director of South Sudan Women with Disabilities Network, Caroline Atim, said such workshops were important in helping disabled people to deal with their challenges in the post-conflict countries.

“Women with disabilities are not feeling that peaceful due to many challenges such as the gender-based violence,” said Ms. Atim, who has a hearing impairment.

She called on UNMISS to cater for the needs of the women with disabilities at the mission’s protection of civilians sites.

“(It is important to cater for the) special needs of women with disabilities like shelters, doors that are wider enough for a wheel chair and use of signs for deaf people,” said Ms. Atim, speaking through an interpreter.

Another participant, Agnes Andua Marone of South Sudan Human Rights, also called on UNMISS to conduct workshop on economic empowerment for women so that they will not be sexually exploited due to hardships caused by the current economic situation.