Focusing on gender-based issues in conflict, Western Equatoria State residents today completed a two-day workshop in the state capital Yambio.

Some 36 participants from all 10 counties attended the UNMISS-organized activity aimed at discussing the impact of conflict on women and designing mechanisms for the way forward.

“The objective was to discuss the impact of conflict that has taken place in Western Equatoria State and is still ongoing,” said UNMISS Gender Officer Margaret Joshua. “We also wanted to share examples of the challenges (which were) caused by the conflict and were experienced by women and children.”

Participants discussed and identified effective mechanisms and strong resolutions, which would be forwarded to the government and stakeholders for implementation, she added.

Latasia Benito Gbafu, a female participant, said they discussed different roles women play that contribute to conflict. These include supporting those involved in conflict as well as failing to report weapons illegally kept in women’s homes to authorities.

“If women report illegal weapons and secret meetings in homes to the relevant authorities, there will be no room for conflict among the community and among the soldiers because it will be addressed before conflict,” she said.

William Warigo, a political party representative, noted that women were well known for their ability to promote peace at the home and community levels, adding it was vital to give them a chance to participate in peace building.

“Women are peace makers,” he said. “They should be given a chance in any conflict situation to exercise their talent to bring peace to the community.”

Urging women to engage youth in dialogue to achieve peace, participants also called on the government to create jobs and a conducive environment to attract private sector investors to South Sudan.

It was necessary to engage youth in economic activities, they said, noting that this would discourage rebellion in the country.