8 March 2015 - In celebrating International Women’s Day, 10 South Sudanese women were honoured as “heroines” in Juba today for their extraordinary achievements.

Organized by UN Women and the South Sudan Women’s Peace Network, the event was held under the theme “Ordinary women who have done extraordinary things”, which ranged from singing and teaching to entering politics, fighting in the civil war and searching for landmines.

“We want to recognize that women have played a key role in the birth of this country,” said UN Women representative Izeduwa Derex-Briggs. “Alongside the male heroes, there are some heroines who have shed their blood.”

“Ordinary” was used to describe the women because they held no titles or positions, but had ensured that women who did were nurtured and taken to school, Mr. Derex-Briggs said. “We have to share with the younger generation that … even without an education you can actually inspire others and be a transformational leader.”

UNMISS chief Ellen Loej said many women in South Sudan had stood up for the rights of women and the most vulnerable as well as marginalized people of South Sudan. “They worked hard, stood by their families and gave their children the courage and the zeal they needed to liberate South Sudan.”

“This event will provide an opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of South Sudanese women in every area of endeavor by capturing significant contributions women have made,” the Special Representative of the Secretary-General added.

Minister of Telecommunications Rebecca Joshua said South Sudan could not have achieved its independence without women’s hard work. “But we need to work harder … so that our country is stable and we are able to implement so many of those things that we are hired to do.”

She stressed that it was time for South Sudanese women to act. “We need to move forward and benefit from the facilities and environment we have with the support of our friends, the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Support and other government institutions.”

One of the heroines, Nancy Sunday, who operates a demining vehicle, dismissed the notion that her job might be considered men’s work. “Work does not consider men or women. Any work is for anybody. Women can’t say I can’t do this, I can’t leave the house.”

Another heroine, Member of Parliament Victoria Yal Aror, said the heroine event had encouraged women to achieve. “I think this will be a very good competition for our women … because when you are recognized by somebody that is good.”