Civil society body to launch Voice of Women magazine
March 6, 2022 (JUBA) – Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO) is set to launch Voice of Women (VOW), a quarterly magazine seeking to amplify voices of women in South Sudan.
A non-partisan, non-racial and non-religious platform, the publication targets women in politics, academics, civil society, media, business, non-governmental entities, public and private sector.
“We strongly believe our partnership with government, state authorities, international and indigenous non-governmental entities, religious and nonreligious institutions, private sectors, individuals and communities will effectively stimulate advancement in national and international service developments,” explained CEPO’s Executive Director, Edmund Yakani.
The magazine seeks to amplify roles and efforts of women in development of society, including women’s political and civic participation in public life.
The launch of the publication will coincide with the International Women’s Day, a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8 to commemorate the cultural, political and socio-economic achievements of women.
“It is my pledge that the VOW will act as platform for lifting and amplifying voices and visibility of women leaders from all sectors of life, including women with disabilities. This edition of VOW is dedicated towards celebrating our women in leadership,” stressed Yakani.
The publication is supported by the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and Empowerment of Women, also known as UN WOMEN.
Paulina Chiwangu, the UN WOMEN Deputy Country Representative for South Sudan said it is impressive to see that their advocacy and lobby for meaningful women participation is now visualized by the production, in collaboration with CEPO, of the first of its kind women magazine called the Voice of Women.
“It is historical for having dedicated magazine for amplifying the voices and efforts of Women for peace and security among other aspects in South Sudan,” said Chiwangu.
“This magazine clearly demonstrates UN WOMEN commitment for supporting women participation in societal affairs. We are serious to ensure that the call for gender equality is translated into reality in South Sudan”, she added.
According to Chiwangu, CEPO is a great partner for UNWOMEN South Sudan in the struggle for claiming meaningful participation through genuine enforcement of the 35% for women enshrined in a provision of the revitalized peace agreement.
A decade after its independence from neighbouring Sudan, South Sudan still struggles to address media challenges. Last year, the young nation ranked 139 out of 180 countries on the world press freedom index.
(ST)