‘If our voices aren’t part of decision-making, S. Sudan will never thrive to its fullest potential’ – Women

February 4, 2020 Newsbeat

Riya Williams, Born To Lead Member, South Sudan (Photo: Riya)

February 4, 2020 (SSNN) —As the implementation of the peace agreement moves at a snail’s pace and critical tasks remain pending, a group of South Sudanese women have stepped up their campaigns, calling on the country’s leaders to redouble their efforts, prioritize women’s representation and implement all outstanding provisions of the R-ARCSS ahead of the formation of a unity government.

In a statement obtained by SSNN, the group comprised of activists said that women are the backbone of South Sudan, as they represent large portions of the population.

“Women are the foundation of South Sudan, making up 60 percent of the population and therefore the majority voters. If our voices aren’t part of decision making, then South Sudan won’t thrive to its fullest potential,” said Riya Williams, Born To Lead Member, South Sudan.

South Sudan: Women Need Representation and Equal rights, WE MATTER!

“Dear South Sudanese Leaders,
With less than a month to go until the formation of the government, we stand in solidarity with the women and girls of South Sudan are who are Born to Lead and saying #They Matter. We are asking you to redouble your efforts to re-energise the peace process and to fully implement the transitional agreement to ensure the all the people of South Sudan can enjoy a peaceful future. Only an inclusive process, which delivers on the commitment for the Transitional Government to ensure 35% representation of women will ensure that peace in South Sudan is sustainable,” the group said in its statement.

The statement pointed to the role played by women during the liberation struggle, saying that despite all the contributions they made; South Sudan’s women are now the ones bearing the brunt of sexual violence in the country.

“South Sudanese women and girls’ matter, they make up more than 50% of the country’s population and have fully contributed to the struggle for independence, peace, and in building and shaping their communities and the nation. Yet, despite their leadership and contributions, they continue to face pervasive sexual and gender-based violence, which seeks to undermine their autonomy and capacity.”

“You can judge a nation, and how successful it will be, based on how it treats its women and its girls. There can be no viable or sustainable peace and the full potential of South Sudan cannot be realized unless women are afforded key roles in leadership from the community to the national level.”

“Excellencies, South Sudanese women and girls need representation, equal rights and protection.”

The women called on South Sudan’s leaders to fast track the implementation of the remaining issues, as the formation of the unity government is almost approaching.

“Reinvigorate progress on the implementation of the revitalized agreement ahead of the formation of the Revitalized Transitional Government;

Publicly re-commit to the 35% quota provided for in the agreement;

Legislate the 35% quota into domestic law, particularly in the Constitution of South Sudan, and Ensure that 35% of the nominations submitted by their party at all levels – not just the executive are women. In support of the Born to Lead campaign to ensure equal and meaningful participation of women and girls in South Sudan.”