18 March 2015 - Discrimination against women across South Sudan remained a serious challenge to national development, peace and security, Warrap State parliamentarians said in the state capital Kuajok today.

The members of the State Legislative Assembly were speaking at a one-day forum organized by UNMISS to raise awareness of what laws and international conventions the country has ratified.

“In order to overcome discrimination of women in the society, we must encourage people to send their children to school irrespective of the sex, tribe and culture,” said Madot Dut Deng, Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly. “Through education, our children will understand their rights and be ready to steer the affairs of the country when the time comes.”

Mr. Deng said women empowerment should begin with the education of their rights and inclusion in decision making.

“Let us encourage and include women in workshops to educate them of their rights and responsibilities,” he said. ” This will (help to) avoid misunderstanding with their husbands in the communities.”

Lauding the people of the state for championing the cause of women in the country, the acting UNMISS Warrap State Coordinator Leda Limann urged the members of parliament and the executive to do more.

“Women are mostly discriminated in the communities during conflict,” she said. “Women need to be involved in decisions making and also participate in the government.”

Ms. Limann described the Greater Tonj Peace Conference Resolution a positive step to protect women’s rights.

“This is the time to make good on all resolutions to empower women and the less fortunate in society,” she stressed.