S. Sudan first lady to attend New York gathering

September 23, 2013 (JUBA) – The first lady of South Sudan, Mary Ayen Mayardit is currently in New York to take part in an initiative gathering, due on 26 September.

Ayen will join several of her world counterparts invited to attend a meeting organised by the US-based Bush Institute’s First Ladies Initiative.

The initiative, started by former US first lady Laura Bush, engages and supports first ladies from around the world to create viable women networks dedicated to promoting education, good health and economic opportunities for women in society.

Attendees of the meeting will reportedly undergo training sessions on effective governance, strategic planning and communication, among others.

The South Sudanese first lady is also expected to participate in the Global First Ladies’ Alliance discussion on 25 September and later meet her US counterpart, Michelle Obama at a luncheon in New York.

Ayen, a renowned women advocate, is the founder and patron of Concern for Women and Children (CWC); an organisation with a mission to mitigate suffering, injustice and poverty by empowering women and supporting children.

(ST)