By William Madouk
Traditional power structures of Wulu County, are transforming. Women, once relegated to the sidelines of governance, are now stepping into leadership roles, challenging age-old norms and stereotypes.
The 2018 peace agreement, which mandates a 35% women’s quota in government positions, has provided a framework for this change. However, it’s the grassroots advocacy of organizations like Oxfam that has truly catalyzed the shift.
One of the examples of women’s empowerment in Wulu is the appointment of three female Chiefs to County Courts and two to the office of the County Commissioner.
This move has not only increased women’s representation but has also brought a fresh perspective to the administration of justice.
Mrs. Asunta Puli Brown, the newly appointed Executive Chief, is evidence of the growing influence of women in Wulu.
Her appointment has sent a powerful message that women are capable of leading at the highest levels.
“I was appointed as a chief, I look into cases of both male and female, in nutshell; I am a judge,” she told No.1 Citizen Newspaper.
“I am so elated; in the past, we didn’t know much including our men. But after Oxfam training, we were selected for GBV training and sensitized alongside our men and this made us to be appointed,” Asunta added.
Traditionally, old-style courts are run by men, and having a woman as a chief was something new and mind-boggling to most men. Sultana Asunta revealed that they had handled tough cases.
“The organization has shown that both genders must enjoy the same rights and exercise their duties equally in all spectrums of life and we have helped our male chiefs a lot, and even now do solve tough cases,” she explained.
Chief Asunta explained as female judges, they also fight for women’s rights when wronged by their spouses, early and forced child marriage, dowries and other matrimonial or family issues.
“Most men are stunned; they said since women join traditional court a lot has improved and our wives no longer instigate quarrel or fight,” the chief narrated.
“Now whenever there is anything, we women are invited and that was not the case before Oxfam, they used to tell us women have nothing to do or add and their rightful place is a house, however, this has changed, there is gender equity now,” she continued.