On International Women’s Day, we recommit to achieving a world in which every woman and girl can enjoy their full range of rights and reach their full potential. The Women, Peace and Security Group of South Sudan urges the Government to ensure that women’s voices are heard, their needs taken into account, and their inclusion and participation at all levels of government be prioritized.
A number of important steps have been taken towards gender equality in South Sudan. In the last year, women have been appointed to the Parliament and senior leadership, and the Action Plan for the Armed Forces on Addressing Conflict Related Sexual Violence in South Sudan has been adopted. However, many challenges and obstacles persist. Harmful gender norms continue to impede women’s full participation in decision-making in their homes and communities, and at the national and sub-national level. A disproportionately high number of women employed in the informal sector are more vulnerable to climate and conflict related shocks, and dependent on natural resources. Women and girls continue to be at risk of physical, sexual, and psychological violence.
The Women, Peace and Security Group stands in solidarity with women in South Sudan who play a critical and active role in peacebuilding and nation-building. We call on the Government to meaningfully engage with civil society, particularly women-led and women’s rights organizations in pivotal processes such as constitution building and electoral design. We advocate for the enactment of the Anti-Gender-Based Violence Bill to ensure that women and girls are protected against Gender Based Violence (GBV), courts and mechanisms to end impunity for GBV are prioritized, and perpetrators held to account.
Inclusion of women and girls are pre-conditions to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and the Women, Peace and Security Agenda. Gender equality and empowering women and girls benefits everyone and contributes to stronger, more peaceful, and prosperous societies. This International Women’s Day, we invite all stakeholders to renew efforts to advance gender equality, amplify the voice and accomplishment of inspiring women, and champion their needs in South Sudan and around the world.
Signatories
British Embassy Juba
CARE International
Delegation of the European Union to South Sudan
Embassy of Canada to South Sudan
Embassy of Sweden in South Sudan
Embassy of Japan in South Sudan
Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in South Sudan
Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in South Sudan
Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD)
Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba
Swiss Cooperation Office in Juba
TITI Foundation
United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women (UN Women)
United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)
United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)