14 March 2014 - International Women’s Day was a time to take stock of what both sexes could do to achieve women’s rights in terms of peace and development, an UNMISS official said in Juba today.

UNMISS Gender Officer Maria Nakabiito was speaking at an event in the protection of civilians (PoC) site on the mission’s base in Jebel to belatedly commemorate the day which is officially observed on 8 March.

“Let us think of how we – as women and men – can contribute towards peace irrespective of one’s own race, religion, and ethnicity,” said Ms. Nakabiito.

As they interacted with the displaced people, representatives of the UN and other humanitarian agencies urged them to report any cases of abuse and seek medical attention.

“We do not want to see you (women) remaining at home when you are sick (when there are) health services near you,” said Catherine Malaimi, a midwife with the UN Population Fund (UNFPA). “We want pregnant women to come to the health centres to ensure they give birth to healthy babies.”

She noted that UNFPA had handled over 200 cases of women suffering from numerous complications, including abortions, rape and other forms of domestic and sexual violence, during the current crisis.

Sarah Kiden, Assistant Project Coordinator for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), said women, children and elderly people suffered most during conflicts like the one in South Sudan.

“We would like to see to it that conflict is reduced or minimized within the camp through advocacy and counseling services,” said Ms. Kiden, adding that NRC would soon start an adult literacy programme as well schools for children within PoC sites.

Maria Nyalekson, a 30-year old mother of five from Leer County in Unity State, said it would have been a better day without conflict and the current difficult living conditions, especially with the rains starting, although she was glad to be celebrating women’s day.

During women’s day celebrations in the Western Equatoria State capital Yambio yesterday, Governor Bangasi Joseph Bakosoro urged women to form cooperatives and associations to make it easy for government and development partners to support them.

Colonel Bakosoro emphasized the need for women to be educated to have equal opportunities with men. He criticized women leaders who failed to campaign for girls’ education.

The day, which featured prayers for peace as well as songs and drama, was commemorated under the theme “Women call for peace and security to enhance development”. UNMISS also organized sports competitions to promote peace.

Speaking on behalf of the state’s women, Christine Ngbaazande said women were the biggest victims of conflict. She called upon President Salva Kiir and former vice president Riek Machar to solve their problems through dialogue.