26 September 2013 - Realizing that advocating for the inclusion of women in public and civic activities will also require preparing them for leadership positions, UNMISS and the Unity State government today kicked off a series of forums aimed at empowering women.

The first “Women in Peace Building and Development Forum”, organized by UNMISS and the State Ministry of Gender and Social Welfare, took place in Pakur Buma, Rubkona County.

About 100 women participated in the meeting, which sought to provide them with knowledge that will enable them to compete for decision-making positions.

“We have to mobilize our women for them to know their rights according to the law (and) the constitution,” said Mary Paul Ngundeng, the State Minister for Gender and Social Welfare.

In order to help the women understand their rights, Ms. Ngundeng said that her ministry would translate relevant parts of the constitution into local languages.

Many participants said they did not know the constitution or any formal law in South Sudan, including regulations with implications on women’s lives and rights.

“All we know are customary laws,” said one participant, Nyaluak Bol.

Similar forums will be conducted once a month throughout the state’s different counties, payams and bomas.

“If we can create equal opportunities and empowerment for women and girls we will really move the whole nation forward,” said UNMISS Civil Affairs Officer Langiwe Mwale.

“Tapping on the potential of all the citizens is not only smart democracy but smart economics,” he added.

An integrated UNMISS team also met with Rubkona County Commissioner Thomas Maluith Hoth and 20 other county officials at his office today.

The county officials described some of the challenges in the state and UNMISS team members explained the role of the mission.

“We will provide land to prisoners to produce their own food as (suggested) by the UNMISS Corrections Section and the County Prison Department,” said Mr. Hoth. “This is very important for the development of the county.”