The annual event attended by hundreds of women in Juba call for the inclusion of women in South Sudan’s permanent constitution-making process.
They said that making their voice heard in the process is vital in achieving sustainable peace in South Sudan.
The annual peace event was organized by the center for inclusive governance, peace, and justice (CIGPJ) in Juba on Monday.
Some of the issues discussed include the need for the effective participation of women in the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
They stressed the importance of full implementation of the revitalized peace deal.
They said some provisions are still outstanding such as the formation of hybrid court as stipulated in chapter five of the deal to bring justice, accountability, reconciliation, and healing.
Ms. Jackline Nasiwa is the Executive Director of the Center for Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Justices. She said that women’s participation in the governance and security sector reform is key to ensuring the process of inclusivity.
” There is a very crucial milestone in the peace agreement that requires women to participate. One of them is security sector reform and the constitutional making process,” said Nasiwa.
She urged women to be bold enough and push for justice in South Sudan so that the culprits face justice.
“Those committees should go to the grassroots and hear views of the people on what type of Trust and healing Commission should South Sudan adopt,” Naiswa stated
The Director of the women’s international peace center, Helen Kezie Nwoha, stressed the need for gender equality. They were saying that women were affected mainly by the conflict.
They want peace and shouldn’t be left behind in the permanent constitution-making process.
Kezie stated that South Sudan could not attain peace without equal opportunities for boys and girls.
She said that they should be in the center of these processes and will not be silent. “We can’t leave our voices out in the constitution-aking process; let’s plan from now to make ensure we get what we want,” she said.
The Adviser on Human Rights Affairs in Central Equatoria State government, Jenifer Yugu, said there is a need to discourage male dominance in public offices. She said equal rights must prevail to ensure more women take part in decision-making and leadership.
” There are issues they don’t want us to raise in the parliament, like when a man marries more than ten wives, but it becomes a problem if women divorce.”
The revitalized peace agreement parties signed in 2018 approved 35% affirmative women representation in all government sectors.