UPPER NILE- Female political representation, the participation of women in decision making at all levels, and the importance of engaging men to promote gender equality in South Sudan are big and important issues. They were all discussed at a recent two-day forum in Malakal.

“I have attended many workshops but this one is very special to me, because we have talked at length about these topics and identified some factors that are hindering the full involvement of women in governance. This has been an eyeopener for us – we will no longer be shy to demand that our rights are respected,” said Achol Nyibong, one of the attending women keen to play a more active role in nation building.

In total, 45 women and men from different sectors of society participated in the event, which was organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in partnership with the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and the South Sudan Women Peace, Monitoring and Advocacy Group.

Discussions were broad, and apart from the issues mentioned above, transformational leadership, financial empowerment for women, females’ potential contribution to the mitigation of the effects of climate change, the role of civil society organizations in promoting gender equality, and the importance of intergenerational dialogue and mentorship were other topics being pondered.

Nyapach Orac, another woman present at the event, pointed out that the active participation of women in all public entities and spheres of life is an indicator of a healthy country where people live peacefully together.

“Women are crucial when it comes to shaping the way our society and our communities look and work. We are the backbone of sound families and bring up children to become good citizens, so men must start recognizing the impact we have in building a harmonious and strong nation,” she commented.

While progress is being made to improve gender equality in South Sudan, one key stipulation in the revitalized peace agreement, signed in September 2018, is still far from being adhered to: political leaders and parties are yet to ensure that 35 per cent of all political posts are given to women.

“It has been proven that women in leadership positions make decisions that are as good as, or better than, those of men. Therefore, women in this country should mobilize to go beyond the 35 per cent representation granted in the peace agreement. You can do that by communicating between yourselves, coordinating your efforts and by avoiding ethnic divisions,” said Christian Mikala, a senior Human Rights Officer serving with the peacekeeping mission.

The recently concluded workshop in Malakal is part of a series of UNMISS efforts to provide women with the civic space and platforms needed for networking, sharing experiences and empowering female leadership in South Sudan.