About 20 women received different awards at the South Sudanese Women Awards for Peace (SSWAP) ceremony on the eve of the independence anniversary in Juba, South Sudan, for their outstanding contributions in different fields.

The SSWAP was organized by the South Sudanese Women Intellectuals Forum (SSWIF), a global non-profit organization founded last year, to recognize the achievements of South Sudanese women that impact the community and ensure the progress of women while promoting peace.

Hundreds of South Sudanese women assembled at the Juba Freedom Hall to witness the award ceremony under the theme 'Celebrating the Women of South Sudan' graced by the minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs Angelina Teny, the minister of Gender and Social Welfare Aya Warrille, religious leaders, among others. 

Modi Enosa Mbaraza, who received the Humanitarian Service Award expressed her joy and said women's contributions have been ignored for a long time.

 Ms. Mbaraza is the Executive Director and a founder of the Young Women Christian Association, a national non-governmental organization.

“According to my experience, I was treated like a slave in my own home and country. Girls are not valued so that forced me to take an initiative on how to empower young women to stand up for their rights. So I am very excited for the recognition because most of the women, not me alone, have contributed positively to the country but their efforts are not being valued,” she said.

Mbaraza appealed to all South Sudanese women to continue doing their best in their different fields to promote peace and equality in the country. 

Wani Michael, the Executive Director of Okay Africa Foundation who represented civil society organizations said it was high time women are recognized for their contributions. 

"It is a good initiative to recognize amazing women who have been doing great work in the private sector, political arena, fighting for women rights, the feminists and women who engage in different aspects of the country’s economy. So, I think this is much appreciated to recognize the women and also ensuring that societies understand that women are doing an amazing job and they opt to be recognized, so I think it is a great beginning needs need to be maintained,' he said.

Aya Benjamin Warille, the minister of gender and social welfare who was speaking on behalf of the Vice President Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior applauded the recipients of the SSWAP for their resilience, hard work, and commitment to nation-building and peacebuilding.

“I would like to say that, the recognition of your achievement today is not only a celebration but a reminder that the Journey toward nation-building has started with one step and with a few of you. We need to expand, empowering more women, and plant the seeds of peace, development, good governance, and unity," Aya said. "I conclude by calling upon all women from all works of lives to hold the government in the implementation of this agreement, fighting corruption, eradicating poverty and diseases, promoting human rights, and forging our unity as a people. Let us build our nation for the brighter future for the generation to come.”

Hon. Aya Benjamin Warille received the Overall Peace Award. 

The following were awarded; Hon. Betty Achan Ogwaro (Excellence in Leadership Award); Hon. Rebecca Joshua Okwaci (Lifetime of Service Award); Hon. Phillister Baya Lawiri (Civil Service Award); Norah Edward Zangabeyo ( Activism Award); Ms. Pita Juba “Mama Zahrah” (Business and Entrepreneurship Award); Grace Bismark ( Excellence in Healthcare Award); Ms. Sarah Akuot Dut (Youth Award); Ms. lbasi Patricia Tobs (Journalism Award); Ms. Jackline Nasiwa (Human Rights Award). 

Others were Ms. Christine Joseph Ngbaazande (Gender Award); Ms. Lina Sara Matthew (Science, Technology and Research Award); Nyamach Hoth Mai (Environmental Award); Prof. Julia A. Duany (Higher Education Award); Ms. Nagomoro Bridget (General Education Award); Ms. Modi Enosa Mbaraza (Humanitarian Service Award); Ms. Abul Oyai (Innovation and Creative Arts Award ); Ms. Micklina Peter Kenyi (Diaspora Contribution Award); Ms. Amy Ropani Lasu (Sports for Peace Award in South Sudan); Ms. Sarah Chan (Sports for Peace Award in the Diaspora). The SSWI also awarded certificates to several women and medals to “Unsung Heros” in the States.