A group of female parliamentarians have demanded a woman be appointed as speaker of the national legislative assembly in South Sudan’s proposed transitional government.
They said women must participate in decision making processes of the nation.
“There are a lot of things and challenges facing women in this country, and women in this country are going through poverty, anguish, hopelessness, illness, rapes, torture. We have to share these problems to overcome them,” said Akuot Deng Kawac, an MP from Aweil East.
Akuot said there are many women who are more capable at managing the affairs of the country, including resolving the conflict between the warring parties.
Current deputy speaker Jasmine Samuel pointed out that South Sudan has never had a woman as vice president, speaker, or chief justice.
“Men have to understand that now we have the right to the things they have. How can we develop our country if we leave half of the population behind?” Jasmine said.