South Sudanese women leaders are calling on the parties to the peace agreement recently signed to adhere to the 35% affirmative action provided for in the agreement, following the formation of the National Pre-Transitional Committee NPTC.
President Salva Kiir on Tuesday appointed members to the NPTC, a body established in line with the implementation of the revitalized peace deal. Among the ten members, only one woman was appointed.
In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj on Wednesday, the women said, “we are gravely concerned that the 35% women representation quota provided for in the agreement has not been observed”. They say the membership of the NPTC should at least comprise of four women.
“Going forward, all signatories to the R-ARCSS must adhere to at least 35% quota for women in their appointments to all institutions created by the R-ARCSS. We implore parties to take it upon themselves to ensure that nominations to the various institutions and mechanisms of the agreement reflect their broad commitment to gender diversity, and the specific commitment to 35% representation of women,” the statement reads in part.
The statement was signed by 36 women leaders attending a workshop in Djibouti from 24th-26th September 2018 on women’s engagement in the implementation of the agreement.
The women, who welcomed the signing of the agreement, reiterated their commitment to the attainment of peace and categorically stated that they intend to fully participate in the implementation process.