South Sudan women demand representation in judicial sector

JUBA – South Sudan women on Tuesday demanded increased representation in justice sector in order to improve their access to justice.

Betty Imoya Angasi, representative from office of Vice President for Gender and Youth Cluster Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior made this demand during the launch of four-day South Sudan Women Leadership Forum Organized by Community for Empowerment Progress Organization in Torit Eastern Equatoria on Tuesday.

Imoya appealed for inclusion of women’s participation in judiciary system.

“It is a constitutional rights and an international obligation that women participates in running the affairs of their country not justice in the executives and legislatures but also in Judiciary. There are cases in judiciary that also need a lot of women,” Imoya said.

“South Sudan Women Leadership Forum which we are launching today as a concept so that we know what it is. It is one of the forums that aimed at bring women leaders together from all levels of the government so that we will get to know ourselves through this kind of forums to discuss issues affecting women,” Imoya added.

She noted that women had played an instrumental role in the peace process that led to the signing of Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 that granted 25% of political participation of women in the government.

“South Sudan women participated in resolving past conflicts by involving in peace negotiations which gave South Sudanese women experience and skills that are crucial in the current peace building process,” she said.

“Women were involved in peace building, healing and reconciliation efforts. Women are actually best known for bridging conflict and related issues. As a result of 2005 CPA granted women 25% of political participation in affairs of this nation and it has increased today to 35% during the recent peace agreement in 2018 and it may go to 50% which is the equality we are actually looking for.  The Women of South Sudan are happy today that they have been profiled in key decision making and powerful positions,” she added.

Jenifer Nabongorika Edward, Eastern Equatoria State Minister of Gender called on women to identify challenges facing them in the state.

“Women should really come up with key issues and challenges affecting them in Eastern Equatoria because the agreement of Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity is very clear but there are those challenges facing us women especially the implementation of 35% and we have been talking about it every day,” Edward said.