My Mary Poni
The Vice President and Chair of the Gender and Youth Cluster, Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior has described women as bread winners and drivers of economy, not only in South Sudan but throughout the continent of Africa.
VP Nyandeng delivered her remarks about the women yesterday during the International Conference on Women’s Transformational Leadership which kicked-off in Juba yesterday, under the theme “Guwa Ta Mara”-an Arabic phrase loosely translated as “Strength of a Woman”.
Rebecca said if women are given equal leadership opportunities as men, they can improve their living and that of their Children.
“We are joining hands together as women in order to advance gender equality in South Sudan,” she said.
“As women we find ourselves battling negative cultures and gender-based violence as well as negative climate change which affected most women and girls, causing many to drop out of schools,” she stressed.”
Vice President Nyandeng said that international women conference was one of the incredible events that aim at advocating about Gender equality via women empowerment.
Meanwhile, the national minister of Gender Child and Social Welfare, Ayaa Benjamin Warile outlined the key objectives of the event.
She said the conference aims at creating space for women to reflect on their roles in leadership via looking into thematic areas on women leadership, climate change and women in civil society.
Warile said that women deserve equal treatment in power sharing as well as in governance and in the implementation of the revitalized peace agreement.
She stressed the contribution made by the women of South Sudan during the liberation saying it is high time for the people of this country to allow them to enjoy their privileges and obligations.
On the other hand, UN humanitarian resident coordinator, Ms. Sara Beysolow Nyanti said that the strength of a women enables them across the region of Africa to come together to share their testimonies.
She urged the women of South Sudan to tell their journey better than anyone else.
“It is my hope that South Sudan yield lasting peace for all IDPs and Refugees to return home and develop their country,” she said.
Sara described South Sudan as a young nation adding that “South Sudan as a young nation needs Peace, healthcare and good education in order to achieve women empowerment.
The International Conference on Women’s Transformational Leadership brought together over 400 women in leadership, Business, entrepreneurs and aspiring girls in all the works of life in South Sudan.