This year’s International Women’s Day was commemorated on Saturday in the Eastern Equatoria State capital, Torit, with pleas for increased representation of women at all levels of government and in the private sector.
This year’s International Women’s Day global theme, “For ALL Women and Girls: Accelerate Progress. Rights. Equality. Empowerment.”, underscores the opportunity to build a society where every woman and girl can thrive, contribute, and lead—free to pursue their aspirations with dignity, security, and equal opportunities. Meanwhile, in South Sudan, it was celebrated under the theme national theme “Empowering women and girls to promote equality, safety and a healthy environment.”
Speaking at the occasion, Eastern Equatoria Governor Louis Lobong Lojore said women deserve more than 35 percent affirmative action as stipulated in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.
“Women deserve more than 35 percent because they are committed and efficient at their jobs or assignments,” he said. “Our gratitude goes to President Salva Kiir Mayardit for recognizing and ensuring that they (women) get their 35 percent affirmative action as well as maintaining peace despite the challenges our country is facing.”
The governor urged women to take the lead in advocating for their rights and advised that they work with men to create an equal and conducive environment for all to thrive.
“It should be clear that the right of women is not about the fall of men, we need to work together both women and men to create a conducive environment in which both males and females are equally masters of themselves,” Lobong counseled. “The issue of women’s or men’s rights should not be a source of violence in our homes and there should be respect among us. On this International Women’s Day, I would like to call upon the women in South Sudan, and particularly in Eastern Equatoria, to take a lead in peacebuilding.”
For her part, Anyek Rose-John, Chairperson for Eastern Equatoria State Women Association, said achieving gender equality requires determination and courage.
“Leadership is not about gender, it is about vision, determination, and courage. Most young girls drop out of school due to economic hardships and child marriage,” she stated. “The government, organizations, and community leaders should sensitize local communities on women’s rights and property inheritance and enforce laws to stop the movement of cattle from one place to another.”
Meanwhile, Grace Abalang, a woman member of the National Legislature representing Ikotos County, underscored that a lot of effort is needed to empower women across all sectors.
“Women empowerment is not only about political positions but must encompass all sectors of life. We need to empower women in boda-boda and bicycle riding, and by bringing water services close to them and making them engage in business and all other activities,” she stressed. “Let us empower ourselves and women for them to advance to the next level because, without this empowerment, we shall not prosper.”
Gai Gravane, UNMISS’ head of field office in Eastern Equatoria State, highlighted the Mission’s commitment to supporting women and girls empowerment.
“On International Women’s Day, we celebrate women’s achievements, and promote gender equality, we also demand an end to discrimination. Let us also acknowledge the many challenges faced by women and girls around the world, including in South Sudan. These challenges often prevent women from becoming equal participants in society,” he said. “When women and girls have equal access to economic opportunities, the national economy grows. We therefore urge each one of you to join in a renewed commitment to supporting the women and girls of South Sudan to elevate their voice.”