Jonglei, 13 March 2016 - Women in Jonglei are calling for greater efforts geared at empowering them to take active participation in issues that affect them and their country.

This was a message flagged by Rachel Meshack Ajang, Head of Jonglei Women Association during celebrations to mark International Women’s day.

“We must stand for change, positive change that empowers women and girls,” said Ajang.

The top authority in Jonglei, Col. Philip Aguer, said Government is aware of the challenges the women endure on a daily basis. He said efforts are gradually being taken to ease life for the women and girls.

“Let us provide water closer to homes so that there is no hard labor for women, we should not see girls as mere market for dowry to get wealth”. Said Col. Jonglei state Governor

Several students who turned up for the celebrations raised concerns about continued reports of violations targeting the women folk.

“Men are violating women’s right including not taking girl children to school which is against the law and must be stopped,” said Pandak Akec, a Student resident in Bor.

According to the United Nations, women still lag behind men across an array of critical areas, from political representation and wage inequality to education, despite great strides in the advancement of gender parity.

The Head of Field Office in Bor, Deborah Schein, assured the women who gathered at the Freedom square for the women’s day celebrations that the United Nations remains committed to empower women.

Ms. Deborah Schein acknowledged the role women can play in stirring dialogue for peace.  

“Women demand peace and they want guns silent, the United Nations will support these women in their efforts to make peace”.