The Deputy Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator on Friday called on the Government of South Sudan to ensure that women are involved in decision-making at all levels.
Anita Kiki made the remarks while speaking at a function to commemorate International Women’s Day in Mundri West County in Western Equatoria State.
The day is which is celebrated every year on 8 March to mark the important role women play in society. This year, the day was celebrated under the theme “Accelerate gender inclusion for productive resources.”
Kiki said the UN will continue to support the people of and promote peace in South Sudan. She however noted that women are not participating in decision-making, are not allowed to participate in politics, and are exposed to many forms of violence.
“On behalf of the United Nations Country team, I am pleased to be in Mundri today (Friday) as part of South Sudan International Women’s Day celebrations,” she said. “We will work in partnership with South Sudan to promote peace and development and to support the provision of humanitarian assistance. International Women’s Day reminds us of the need to ensure that women are the central part of our effort.”
The UN official urged the government to empower women to participate in the constitution-making process and the coming elections.
“We call upon the government of South Sudan to make sure that women are represented in all public sectors and are economically empowered,” she stated. “There is data which shows that women’s participation in peace processes creates sustainable peace so we therefore urge South Sudan to uphold women’s inclusion in upcoming constitution-making process as stipulated in the South Sudanese women charter and to also allow for safe and meaningful participation of women in the upcoming electoral processes.”
Kiki added: “We call on South Sudan to champion the inclusion of women in civic and political spaces as provided for in the revitalized peace agreement.”
Meanwhile, the chairperson of the Women Empowerment Center in Western Equatoria State, Mary Pio, said women are given chances to participate in decision making but sometimes they do not have political space.
“There are issues which do not make women campaign freely or participate in decision making but they are willing to stand as candidates in the elections,” she said. “We need strong rules to guide the coming elections so that women can campaign freely. The political parties should also dialogue about the conduct of elections so that awareness is created and women are free to participate. There should also be dialogue at the grassroots to let people know what is going on.”