A cross-section of women politicians and activists in Western Bahr el Ghazal State on Friday gathered at the peace square in Wau to advocate for their freedom to engage in politics and the opening of political space across the county as the elections slated for December 2024 near.
The event, organized by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), brought together female representatives from different political parties, civil activists, and female members of the armed forces in the state among others.
Speaking at the event, Western Bahr el Ghazal State Governor Sarah Cleto Rial said the function lit a light in the hearts of South Sudanese women.
“We thought it was a long day today but it is that day that we lit a light in the hearts of the women in South Sudan and Western Bahr el Ghazal State in particular,” she said. “We have learned a lot from the history of this country as women and we know how far we come until we achieved the 25 percent affirmative action during the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA), and the current 35 percent.”
Governor Cleto added: “We have so many achievements in terms of women representation in the country, we have a Vice President Mama Rebecca Nyandeng, TNLA Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba, Interior Minister Angelina Teny and we still have many positions at the national levels and I am the governor and this did not come from nowhere.”
She said women have some positions in the government but that they are not enough.
“We currently stand at 35 percent for women presentation and we are pushing to reach 65 percent and it is a responsibility of the political parties to ensure that the 35 percent representation of women is applied in all offices,” Cleto stated.
On his part, the head of UNMISS in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, Sam Muhumure, said the objective of the occasion was to strengthen and promote women’s voices in politics.
“The objective of this occasion is to promote women’s empowerment for engagement in leadership and leadership is not only political but can be leadership in business, education, entertainment, leadership across all levels,” he said. “We all know that the political parties are the nurseries for leadership, they are areas where leaders are groomed to exercise governance. We also know that women, once they are determined, can bring genuine and lasting peace and therefore, I would like to encourage all women to come out and participate in political activities.”
Muhumure added: “Go to a political party of your choice and register and have your voice heard.”
Some of the women who graced the occasion, including Martina Lino Costo of the SPLM Party, welcomed the event organized by the UN for women ahead of the elections.
“My name is Martino Lino Costa from the SPLM Party and we are happy with UNMISS and the Ministry of Gender for the support to women ahead of upcoming elections,” she stated. “The organizers managed to bring these women together to encourage them on their rights and how they can claim their 35 percent affirmative action. We are very happy for this awareness that we got today.”
For her part, Vivina Luis Sabalkher who represented the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, said it was a great day for the women in the state because the function brought a great number of them together from different institutions.
“Women were fearing to participate in politics but today they have declared that they are to participate in government and we hope this state is part of it,” she said.
Meanwhile, Lt. Leticia Peter Ukuko, a military officer, said although they are not allowed to participate in politics, she was happy with the event which created awareness among women.