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June 22, 2010 (AKON, Warrap) — South Sudan’s president, Salva Kiir Mayardit, on Monday named seven women ministers in the new regional cabinet, 6 months into referendum.
The increment in the appointment of more female ministers in the new regional cabinet is viewed as presidential response to pledges made during election campaign rallies to increase women participation in the government at all levels if elected, to 30% from 25%.
Women participation in the SPLM led government of Southern Sudan, formed after the inked of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement saw representation of 25% stipulated in the deal.
Their struggles alongside men during war, won them wide spread recognition, that SPLM leadership formerly under late Dr. John Garang De Mabior vowed to incorporate them into all key decision making positions.
Salva Kiir Mayardit had in number of occasions, since becoming president of the semi autonomous regional government of southern Sudan, said he would only append his signature to approve any association or committee with women membership.
"I would only recognize any association that includes women as legal body. Therefore, I called on all government and private institutions ensure women participate in all functions and assignments without distinction on gender bases," President Kiir told mammoth crowd gathered to celebrate international women day in 2007 in Juba.
In a presidential decree appointing new cabinet on Monday, he named Deputy SPLM Secretary General for southern sector, Dr. Anne Itto Leonardo, former Western Equatoria State Governor, Juma Nunu Kumba, Awut Deng Achuil, Agnes Kwaje Lasuba, Dr. Priscilla Nyannyang, Ms. Mary Jervas Yak and Nyalok Tiong Gatluak as new women ministers.
More seats for women would be reserved in undersecretaries and directorates due to be formed and appointed soon after taking oath of the newly appointed ministers.
Nyandeng Chol Yak, a woman activist in Akon, Warrap State, lauded appointment made by the regional government, saying president Kiir is proofing his words.
"I thanked President Kiir for standing by his promises. This is the true leadership and I congratulate him for taking this decision in recognition of women role in development of the nation," said Ms. Yak.
Chol Deng Juac from Juba also told Sudan Tribune that appointment of more women into the cabinet shows commitment of the government of southern Sudan to fully implement pledges to increase their participation in key decision making positions.
"Women deserve such appointments because most of the victims during war were them and the children. Their roles have to be recognized and rewarded," said Juac congratulating president Kiir for formation of the new government.
(ST)
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