Muslim, Christian women in southern Sudan resolve to unite

Feb 23, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Muslim and Christian women in Juba resolved to unite, identifying that differences between the two religious communities were often caused by foreigners who have come to Sudan for their own personal benefit.

The Muslim and Christian women participated in two days workshop from 15 to 17 February. “We, Christians and Muslims of south Sudan are one in our mother land”, was one resolutions stated by facilitator Augustina Asha.

According to Asha, non-Sudanese use religious conflicts for personal gain and plant the seeds of hatred between southern Muslim and Christian people.

“When problems are stirred up, youth are instigated to take up a different line of hatred and revenge without acknowledging that we are all the same,” states participant Zahara Musa.

Participant Sudan Patrisio condemned the behaviour of the youth who pay no respect to elders, saying that calling names such as jallabah and ‘nyor’ should stop because such names stir emotions and create conflicts among communities.

In their recommendations and deliberations, the women focused on improving conditions for the youth. They recommend that awareness should be conducted to the youth on the importance of dialogue among Muslims and Christians.

In addition, the historical background of the conflict between north and south should be taught clearly to the children, to enable them create a new harmonious atmosphere between southern Muslims and Christians.

The women advocated the government to penalize adults, parents and guardians who exploit children for child labour, child abuse, etc. Vocational centres should also be opened for school drop-outs and state reformatory schools and opharnages for vagrant children.

The women further recommend that video films be screened before displayed and that overnight funeral prayers be abolished because they encouraged child mischief. In order to curb sexual violence, the two religious communities also strongly recommend that whenever soldiers are transferred, they must take their families with them.

Mrs Augustina Asha states that the workshop was facilitated and funded by PACT International who now have an office based in Juba.

(Juba Post/ST)