Defense Minister to promote gender parity in the army

South Sudan’s Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs has pledged to promote the participation and recognition of women in the army and other security organs.

According to Angelina Teny, Bilpam will ensure gender equality and equity within the rank and file of the military.

“Although the policy framework that is to be guiding this process of ensuring the inclusion and participation of women in the organized forces is still in the pipeline, it doesn’t prevent us from starting the work,” she said.

Angelina’s affirmation follows her recent visit to Rwanda and Ghana – where she explored issues of gender mainstreaming in the various countries.

She urged the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare to speed up the development of gender policies.

“Gender mainstreaming is our mandate, especially in the security sector, because it’s considered one of the reform agendas as we implement the peace agreement,” said Ayaa Benjamin Warille, national Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare.

“Women should be allowed to deliver to their full potential, promoted and retained, and more women are encouraged to join the security sector.” she stressed.

Peterson Magoola, the UN Women’s Country Representative said the policy – once enacted – will empower women in the army as the government prepares to graduate the unified forces.

“How can we push and support the issues of empowering women in the forces? We have seen globally that women leave the security sectors because of a lack of protection, enabling environment, and harassment,” he stated.

Magoola also called for a conducive environment that would attract females to join the army and other security sectors.