UNMISS calls for affirmative action for women in unity state

The Gender Affairs Unit of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has called for the implementation of the 35 percent affirmative action for women in unity state during a two day workshop attended by 50 civil society members.

Edea Sharon Lelega, UNMISS gender affairs unit officer said the workshop that commenced on Monday is meant to engage with women civil society organizations to increase 35 percent quota for women as underlined in the 2018 revitalized peace agreement.

“The two -day workshop will enable women civil society organizations to know their participations in the civic and political space including permanent constitutional process and gender responsive electoral process,” said Lelega during the opening of the workshop in Bentiu town.

She added that the deliberations will help to create trust between the government, security institutions and civil society organizations in the state.

“The 50 participants will be able to understand the civic and political space and why political space matters,” said Lelega.

Mary Nyakun Diew, the deputy chairperson of Bentiu town women union appreciated the gender affairs unit of UNMISS for organizing the workshop for civil society organizations.

The two day workshop was attended by Non- Violence Peace Force and several members of UNMISS Civil Affairs Division.