Women’s land rights are critical to democracy, peace, justice, sustainable development and security, Dorothy Drabuga, Chairperson of South Sudan Land Alliance (SSuLA), has said.
She said secure land rights for women set off powerful, continued ripple effects that go a long way towards realizing gender equality and a range of critical sustainable Development Goals and human rights.
“Stronger women’s rights to land and productive assets are linked to a wide range of benefits such as improved living conditions, better nutrition and food sovereignty, better health, higher earnings and individual savings,” she said.
In a press statement to mark this year’s International Women’s Day, Dorothy says the event is a chance to remind governments, businesses and everyone that women were there to stay.
“They are here to stay and are prepared to take action to achieve their human rights,” she added.
Dorothy urged the Government of South Sudan to urgently take actions that will break down barriers to women’s rights to land.
“The government must urgently change the laws and social norms, which impose barriers to women’s rights to own and access to land and this may include adopting measures to prevent private corporations and investors, powerful local elites and family members from discriminating women from their rights to land.”
She further called upon the government to pardon women who are jailed in prison for minor offences as a sign of commemoration and access to justice achievements by the end of the month.
The government, Dorothy stated, must ensure that women and girls ‘equal enjoyment of all human rights and participation in decision-making on land is the key to achieving land degradation neutrality.
“SSuLA urges the government to put an end to child marriage by empowering girls with information, skills and support networks, provide economic support and incentives to girls and their families, educate and rally parents and community members to support women empowerment.
This year’s International Women’s Day was celebrated under the theme: ‘Securing Women’s Land Rights for Increased Gender Equality, Food Security and Economic Empowerment.”