By William Madouk
Valentine’s Day was sweet day in Juba city as two leading female figure in the country took a lead in an event dubbed “Let Love Lead”, that brought together both young and the aged to understand the true meaning of love.
Speaker of the National Assembly, Jemma Nunu Kumba, and the Minister of Interior, Angelina Teny, were two figures that graced the memorable occasion that attracted minor and the mighty.
Organized by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the inter-generational dialogue aimed to foster an exchange of views between different generations, exploring the essence of love.
Drawing from all walks of life, young people and government representatives assembled to understand the multi-layered concept of love.
The event featured music, dance, and drama, showcasing cultural practices that are harmful but often done in the name of love.
Speaking at the event, emphasizing the importance of compromise and understanding within relationships.
“When you come together, that’s when you will start identifying the weaknesses, the strengths, and then you try to help the partner in the weaker points and vice versa and then from there, you can grow together,” said Nunu.
“If some man is thinking that in our culture the man is the boss, I cannot listen to a woman in a relationship, there is no boss…. respect should be mutual and if one person decides that he is overall, then definitely there will be a problem,” she added.
She encourages young to learn how to forgive and forget their partners’ mistakes for viable and strong bonds.
“So, you need to work together to create an atmosphere where you can stay the two of you and then discuss things about your life. As I said before, you have to be flexible. Don’t be rigid,” Nunu advised.
For her part, Minister Angelina Teny provided further guidance to the attendees, urging them to strike a harmonious balance between love and personal aspirations.
She stressed the profound dimensions of love, including a deep devotion to one’s country and the willingness to make sacrifices for the greater good.
According to Teny, if love leads then all sorts of ills such as inter-communal violence, and tribalism among others would cease existing putting the country on the right track to peace, love and reconciliation.
Dr. Ademola Olajide, the country director of UNFPA in South Sudan, stated the significance of the event and its objective.
“Love is multi-faceted young people celebrate love, what we want to do is to walk with young people through an inter-generational dialogue and that is why we have the minister of interior and speaker and parliamentarians.”
Ademola explained that the dialogue aimed to dispel misconceptions and foster healthy, functional relationships that allow individuals to preserve their identities, pursue their dreams, and contribute meaningfully to the development.
“[the event is] to exchange views [with] young people and let them know that indeed we can love; a love that can empower us, you don’t have to lose your legality, you don’t have to sacrifice your vision, you don’t have to be disempowered and most importantly you don’t have to be abuse.”
“so, respect yourself, value yourself go into a mutually beneficial and functional love relationship that enables you to develop your full potential and contribute to the development of South Sudan.”