Women in Unity State are demanding equitable representation in the state leadership.
They expressed the sentiments during a women’s political discussion in the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, organized by the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) network.
Speaking to Radio Tamazuj after the workshop on Sunday, State Gender, Child and Social Welfare Minister Rose Nyaboth Toy, said they discussed the challenges affecting the women, including their exclusion from leadership.
She recalled that the women were entitled to 35% share as commissioners and directors general in different state ministries, but were not benefitting from the entitlement for unclear reasons.
“I want the rest of my sisters and daughters to participate in politics and be appointed to the positions they we demanding from Governor Justice Riek Biem and his deputy James Tor Tugwuar,” she said.
Nyatabat Gatluak Dor appreciated the minister’s input and noted that the entire discussion, that brought together 50 delegates, went well.
She said that the women’s participation in leadership would help shape policies to serve the interests of the majority.
SIHA field coordinator Nyayian Gatdet said that the women’s contributions to policy making was minimal because they were not given a chance to participate. She said SIHA would take eight people to Juba, including the Gender, Child and Social Welfare Minister to participate in the national women political discussion.