South Sudanese women are powerful agents of change that drive efforts of reconciliation, rebuilding communities, and forging pathways towards stability, Joyce Ayoub, a Program Assistant at the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare said on Tuesday.
Speaking at a three-day workshop in Juba, Ayoub said South Sudanese women played a fundamental role in shaping peace, security, and the prosperous future of this nation.
“The theme of women’s participation in peace-building is not merely a matter of equality. It is necessary for sustainable peace in South Sudan, like any conflict-affected nation which has experienced the devastating impacts of violence where women have borne the brunt of conflicts,” she said. “They have not only been victims, but have also emerged as powerful agents of change, driving efforts of reconciliation, rebuilding communities, and forging pathways towards stability.”
For his part, Major General Yitayal Gelaw Bitew, Chairperson of the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring & Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) said when both women and men participate equally in decision-making, it builds a more stable and harmonious society.
“Gender equality is not just a matter of social justice. It is a cornerstone for sustainable peace and development. When women and men participate equally in decision-making, we build a more stable and harmonious society,” he stated. “We all know that South Sudanese civilian populations have been disproportionately impacted by the violent conflicts in every inch of the country.”
Gen. Gelaw added: “Women, girls, men, children, teens, people with disabilities, and the elderly have borne the brunt of this conflict in one way or another and this has had a significant negative influence on their communities and way of life.”