The national ministry of parliamentary affairs with support from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) on Thursday concluded the training of 80 state legislators in lawmaking procedures in Warrap State.
The three-day training workshop ended with a call to implement the revitalized peace agreement and provision of social services to the civil population.
Gabino Kiir Madut, a state parliamentarian who represented the participants during the closing of the workshop said the knowledge they learned will improve their lawmaking and debating skills.
“I appreciate all the facilitators because they have equipped us with knowledge on how to present ourselves in the assembly,” he said. “I appeal to the national ministry of parliamentary affairs to design another plan so that our colleagues who missed this training get an opportunity. I can assure you that the handouts will be our references.”
A female legislator who participated in the workshop, Nyanyai Riak, said the training has made debate issues without flinching and fearing men.
“It is my first time attending a workshop that talks about our role as MPs. It was not easy to interact with men concerning our issues but now during our breaks, I was able to raise points. I know our role now,” she said. “During the training, we also discussed gender mainstreaming. For example, when I went to Wunrock, in Twic County which is my constituency during recess, issues of child marriage are still there.”
On his part, UNDP’s advisor on parliamentary affairs, Lakshmanan Lakshmi, encouraged the state legislators to use the peace agreement and their oversight roles in the state positively. He pledged UNDP’s continued support to the government of South Sudan.
James Francis Kutiyote, the undersecretary at the national ministry of parliamentary affairs said he was glad that the training had helped buttress the oversight role of the state legislators.
“I am happy to see that this induction training has ended and this knowledge has empowered you to exercise your oversight role,” he said.