The Women Union in South Sudan’s Unity State has urged their government to fight gender-based violence (GBV) and increase their representation in different sectors to realize their 35 percent at the state level.
The calls were made during the International Women’s day celebration held on Wednesday under the theme “Digital for all: Innovation and technology for gender equality” at Bentiu Freedom stadium. It was organized by the state ministry of gender, child, and social welfare and humanitarian partners.
In an interview with Radio Tamazuj from Bentiu on Wednesday, Nyakun Chan, the deputy chair lady for the Women Union in Unity state, called on authorities to step up efforts to eliminate all forms of gender-based violence against women and girls across the state.
“The purpose of this celebration is to promote gender equality through innovative technology; we need our lives to be protected by the state government, and we need our 35 percent to be 45 percent, 35 is not enough for us as women in Bentiu toward a better South Sudan,” Chan said.
Gattuor Riek Makuach, Director General for Unity State ministry of gender, child and social welfare, assured the women during the celebration that they would take strict measures against perpetrators of sexual-related violence in the state.
Riek added that his government is very committed to working with women in different departments across the state.
“All perpetrators who have committed crimes against women and girls will be brought to book and face the law,” Makuach said.
The celebrations were also attended by peacekeepers from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF), and police officers.