Jonglei declares 50% reduction for women business charges and 100% protection

Philip Thon Aleu

March 9, 2008 (BOR, Jonglei) – Women in Jonglei state will enjoy 50% reduction on charges related to business and maximum protection from women rights violation, Jonglei, government has announced.

The message, delivered on March 8 (world women day) at Bor town Freedom square by the state governor, will pave way for a comfortable competition to women in business and making them richer than men though women makes less than 10% in trading section.

“Women owned business will be charged 50% of the taxes levied on goods, trading license and shop or restaurant plot,” Governor Kuol declared outlining that “this will help women to feed their children, educate them, maintain good health status but not for alcohol.”

The government also assured women of maximum protection against “early-force-expensive marriages, oppression, domestics work loads and assaults” but maintained that “polygamy is a necessary evil.” “There is over 65% women estimated population in Sudan, and this means that a man should marry at least two wives, provided he can care for them,” Speaker of the state legislative Assembly Judy Boyris said.

Women, according to South Sudan policy, take at least 25% in all government organs and free to compete with men in the remaining 75%. However, the granted percentage is not adequately used due to low level of education among women triggered by cultures and girl child negligence. Jonglei, in particular, faces a lot of challenges in bridging the gap between man and woman since cultures remain deeply rooted and girl child education campaigns poorly understood.

Majority of women contacted by Sudan Tribune says “parents are the best decision makers concerning their rights and girls are, solely, the source of family wealth.”

However the decrees, made by the state government, may open a new believe in Jonglei women that there are humans too.

(ST)