An International conference on women’s Transformational Leadership commenced in Juba, South Sudan, on Monday.
The three-day conference, that is being attended by more than 400 women across the world, was opened by President Salva Kiir Mayardit.
It will focus on women and peace and security, governance and political participation, women’s economic empowerment, climate change and its impacts on gender equality, movement building and women’s leadership in civil society and intergenerational pathways to leadership.
In his opening remarks, President Kiir called for collective efforts in advocating for gender equality in leadership positions.
“Let’s us keep working towards a better day for women and girls. Let’s join hands to promote the mission of gender equality,” he stated.
“It’s in recognition of this that we decided to increase the percentages of women representation at all levels of government from 25% to 35%.
“While we have not fully met this quarter, we will work to fulfil it and allow our women to compete within the remaining 65%.”
Noting that women continue to face numerous challenges such as insecurity, lack of proper avenues to air their voices both locally and nationally, Kiir pledged that his administration will ensure addresses the challenges.
“As we prepare to implement the final phase of the revitalized peace agreement, I will make sure my government continues to address challenges faced by women by working hard to empower them across the country,” Kiir added.
Being the first time South Sudan is hosting the International Women Conference, the vice president in charge of Gender and Youth Cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng said the conference will leave a greater impact on the lives of South Sudanese women as the country embarks on the mission of gender equality.
“This transformational leadership conference for women leaders is a spark to a bright and beautiful fire. We join together to recommit to advancing gender equality, not only in South Sudan but across the globe. Although we have made some notable achievements in our quest for gender equality, there is still so much more that must be done,” Nyandeng explained.
The international conference on women’s transformational leadership is being attended by global figures and speakers.
Among the speakers of the conference is the former president of Liberia, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.
