The Abyei Women Association launched its first women's conference in the disputed Abyei region on Tuesday to discuss women issues.
More than 40 women from Abyei, Juba, Wau, Gogrial, Ruweng and Twic attended the conference which is expected to end today.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, Nyan Awut Mayen, minister of health and social welfare in Abyei said the aim of the conference is to discuss issues and challenges facing women in the region.
"There are several challenges facing women in Abyei, the most prominent of which is the health situation, so we will give recommendations to all the supporting partners with the hope that they will support women," she said.
Awut also noted that the women will discuss peaceful coexistence with neighbouring communities especially between the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya communities who are Abyei inhabitants.
This is the first time such a conference is held in the disputed area.