The Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), a South Sudanese civil society group, on Friday launched a women’s peace and security forum in Bor town in South Sudan’s Jonglei State.

Speaking to Radio Tamazuj, CEPO’s manager for the Status of Women Initiative Betty Sunday said they empowered 40 participants on issues affecting local women.

She noted that the forum would serve as a platform for Jonglei women to actively engage in United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 that requires participation and protection of women.

“What we want to achieve as CEPO is for women in Jonglei to know their rights and participate fully in the 35% affirmative action in the revitalized agreement. The forum would also bring all women to work together on issues such as sexual and gender-based violence (SGBV), women’s role in security reforms as provided for in UN Resolution 1325 and to also protect and prevent young girls from early marriages,” she said.

Betty pointed out that the forum will bring together women from associations, CSOs and parliament, adding CEPO will continue lobbying support for sustainability of the forum.

Rachel Nyichiek Ajang, the chairlady of the Jonglei Women Association appreciated CEPO for the initiative saying it would help them advocate for their rights and address issues affecting them in the state.