Women in the Gogrial area are calling for greater affirmative action and representation in government. These sentiments were expressed at a robust forum in Kuajok to discuss the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which reaffirms the critical role of women in participation of politics, decision-making and conflict prevention.

Supported by the Gender Unit of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan’s field office in Greater Warrap, a number of women got together for a roundtable conversation about the topic. The speaker of the Gogrial legislative assembly, Atong Manyual Lual, participated in the event.

Our government encourage women to fight for their positions and rights,” Ms. Lual said, while acknowledging that not all recommendations included in the UN resolution have been implemented in the area.

The women in attendance also talked about the importance of turning the words of the Convention for the Elimination of all forms of Violence Against Women, CEDAW, into action.

Rose Anyang, one female participant, was happy about the roundtable discussion and the opportunity to voice her concerns.

“We have presented our opinions and the pains we are facing. We women should be given more power in order to express our ideas”, Ms. Anyang opined