The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on 31 March 2016 held the Women’s Peace Conference in Bor, Jonglei which brought together different women groups from the protection of civilians’ site (PoC) and Bor town.

About 40 women participated in the conference which aimed at promoting dialogue and peaceful coexistence between different communities in the region. Women groups mixed up in joy to show love for one another while urging government to forget the past and to implement the peace agreement in the country. At the end of the conference, many group discussions where conducted during which women recommended, among others, the need for communication exchange between different communities.

This was the first peace conference organized by UNMISS in Jonglei since the conflict erupted in December 2013.  UNMISS Head of Field Office in Bor (HoFo) Debora Schein told various women groups that the initiative was a good step towards peace. “This is your initiative, not UN initiative or initiative from outside, more than anybody; you understand the need for peace,” she told women on Friday.

Ms. Schein added that she was impressed by the active participation of the women block during the peace negotiations in Addis Ababa. “What I believe is that you can lead this country to peace, women have the strength and the determination and intelligence to do so and UNMISS is here to support peace and your initiative to promote peace in this country,” Bor HoFo said.

Meanwhile, the Chairperson of Jonglei Women Association Ms. Sarah James appealed to the women in Jonglei to lead the country to peace. “We, the women are very strong if we come together and as men lead us to war, we, women can lead them to peace because our hearts are very soft and full of love for our children regardless of who they are and where they are from,” she said.