8^th March 2017 – To mark the International Women’s Day, celebrated globally on 8 March, hundreds of women, men and children, internally-displaced persons, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan - UNMISS, and other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations took part in celebrations which included an exhibition of crafts, dances by youths displaced by the conflict and drama.

The women resident in the Protection of Civilian site at the UN base in Malakal came out to celebrate the day, under the theme “Be bold for change.”

The women reiterated a call that repeated several times calling on the leaders of armed groups in the country to lay down their arms and “stand bold for peace.”

 “It’s acceptable for you as leaders of this country to give women and children a chance for dignify living and is your obligation to preserve their future in a peaceful South Sudan,” said Ms. Rachel Mayiik, the women’s leader in the PoC site.

The chairperson for peace and Security Council, Mr. James Deng Akurkuach, said young girls currently sheltering at the UN bases in Malakal, should be given an opportunity to return to school, attain an education and support the development of this country.

  “We should encourage our women and daughters to acquire more chances to education for better tomorrow.”

The acting Head of field office in Malakal Mr. Jens Kristensen, read out the Secretary General message for this year’s International Women’s day. He also stressed the need to gravitate towards a better world free of discrimination against women.

In his message for the International Women’s day, the UN Secretary General, Antonio Guterres, said women’s access to education and health services has benefits for their families and communities that extend to future generations.

“An extra year in school can add up to 25 per cent to a girl’s future income.”