The Awerial Women’s Association in Awerial County of Lakes State has elected Martha Akhot Nhial as its new chairlady, succeeding Rhoda Abuk Khom, who held the position for 16 years.
In a highly competitive election on Wednesday in Mingkaman town, Martha secured 31 votes, representing 51.6% of the total votes, to claim the role.
Yom Bol Tiar was elected Secretary General, replacing Veronica Yar Akol. The election attracted 60 delegates from six payams of Awerial County, with Rhoda Abuk Khom among the five candidates in a fiercely contested race.
David Abuyung Magot, a director at the State Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, told Radio Tamazuj that the new leadership will serve a two-year term, per Ministry regulations.
He also announced that the new leaders will undergo leadership training in Rumbek next week to ensure they are equipped to address critical issues such as gender-based violence and advocate for women’s rights.
Residents of the Mingkaman IDP camp strongly supported the new leadership, emphasizing the importance of fostering unity between internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host community women.
“Congratulations to Martha Akhot and her team for winning the trust of the Awerial Women’s Association,” said Bol Malual, a camp resident, while Ghai Chol Atem urged the new leaders to promote unity across communities for peaceful coexistence.