By Kei Emmanuel Duku
National government announced holding International Women’s Day celebration in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State.
Theme for the event is “Empowering Women and Girls to Promote Equality, Safety, and a Healthy Environment.”
This celebration underscores the strength, resilience, and invaluable contributions of women across South Sudan.
International Women’s Day, observed annually on March 8th, is a global event.
Speaking to journalists on behalf of the Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, the National Minister of Parliamentary Affairs, Mary Nawai Martin, emphasized the day’s importance, that it provides an opportunity to assess progress towards gender equality, coordinate opportunities for young women and girls to lead and innovate, and raise awareness about climate justice challenges affecting women and girls.
“This day aims to promote women’s livelihoods, rights, and gender equality by collectively amplifying voices that advocate for gender equality and empower women’s and girls’ rights,” Nawai stated.
“As we strive to build a safer, healthier, and more inclusive society, we aim to promote gender equality throughout the country by empowering women and girls. We want to create a society where every woman and girl feels safe, valued, and empowered,” she added.
She further stated that despite recent progress in addressing issues affecting women and girls, significant work remains.
The Minister highlighted policy-related and cultural challenges that impede women and girls’ achievement of equality.
Nawai referenced the 1995 Beijing Declaration, adopted by 189 governments at the 4th World Conference on Women in China saying this declaration serves as a platform for action and remains the most progressive plan for women’s and girls’ rights worldwide.
According to her, the platform guides policies, programs, and investments impacting critical issues such as education, health, peace, media, political participation, economic empowerment, and the elimination of violence against women and girls.
She however said the government is going to engage in various campaign activities, including awareness raising, workshops, training sessions, and community dialogues across the nation, to reduce harmful practices against women and girls.
“While there are still gaps that need to be addressed, it is our collective responsibility to ensure gender equality,” Nawai stated. “The government has implemented measures and mechanisms to safeguard the rights of women and girls through several policies and bills, including the Women Empowerment Bill 2024, the Women Enterprise Fund Bill 2024, the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Bill 2025, the Gender Equality Authority Bill 2025, and the Persons with Disabilities Bill 2025.”