The Vice President for Gender and Youth Cluster, Rebeca Nyandeng De Mabior has reiterated her calls for equal participation of both men and women in leadership.
“The office of the Vice President is working very hard on the issue of women participation in leadership, the constitution provides for equal participation of women and men,” said Afaf Ismail Ibrahim, the legal advisor in the office of the Vice President for Gender and Youth Cluster said on Tuesday.
Ibrahim was speaking during the symposium on women peace and security organized by Young Women’s Christian Association in partnership with Oxfam and Care International.
The event organized by Young Women’s Christian Association was held under the theme “Creating spaces for women, effective and equal participation in the upcoming 2024 general election.
“We have bills of rights in the constitution as amended 2011, women lag behind when it comes to real implementation, our customary laws are holding back women from participating in leadership,” Ibrahim said.
Alafi Isaac Alfred, the head of Care International South Sudan said the revitalized peace agreement provides framework for development, adding that the country needs to push for women participation in leadership.
“The revitalized peace agreement provides framework for the development of this country, we need processes that will enhance the development of gender sensitive legislation that will reflect women inspirations,” said Alfred.
Hellen Katunge, the Acting Country Director of Oxfam said the international community including the United Nations Security Council should intervene to push for protection of women’s rights.
“We call for the international community to support full, equal, meaningful and safe participation on peace and security, and ensuring equal and meaningful participation in leadership, peace and security,” said Katunge.
She added South Sudan risks losing generational gains on equality if decisive action is not taken to ensure gender equality.
