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Women leaders call for inclusive South Sudan peace initiative
September 4, 2024 (JUBA) – The Tumaini Initiative and its mediators should adopt an inclusive, transparent, and people-centered mediation process, women leaders resolved during a round table discussion.
The group, in a communique, extended to Sudan Tribune, urged the mediators to visit South Sudan to consult with conflict-affected communities, stakeholders, and the broader population to gather their views and experiences.
“After thorough reflection and thought-provoking discussions, we agree upon and put forward the following key priority areas, as well as corresponding recommendations that call for an inclusive and holistic approach to addressing the challenges faced by South Sudanese women and girls,” it reads in part.
Represented by 16 different organizations, the coalition urged the government of South Sudan to expedite the adoption of the National Action Plan (NAP) 2020-2025 and allocate sufficient funding to the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare to support its implementation.
All political parties, it noted, should adhere to the 35% affirmative action policy for women by appointing more women to leadership positions and cease the practice of replacing women in decision-making roles with men.
“Prioritize the Tumaini Peace process and address any contradictions between the Tumaini Initiative and the R-ACRSS through political dialogue and national consensus that includes women and civil society organizations,” reads the communique.
Participants at the round table discussion urged the Kenyan government to continue engaging with all hold-out groups under the Tumaini Peace Initiative and expedite the mediation process to achieve lasting peace in South Sudan.
They urged the peace partners to provide technical support to the government in implementing peace agreements, including the Tumaini Peace Initiative, the NAP, and Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on Gender Equality.
The women-led groups called for support for civil society and women’s groups in conducting civic education, promoting dialogue, and peacebuilding.
The UN, it said, should allocate funds to support programs that promote UN Security Council Resolution 1325 through women’s empowerment, protection, and prevention of GBV.
“Conduct nationwide civic education, sensitization, and dialogues on key Anti-GBV and Family Law bills.
Carry out mass campaigns and raise awareness on women’s rights at the grassroots level, focusing on the Bill of Rights and Maputo Protocols,” it noted.
According to the women group, the communiqué reflects it’s collective commitment to advancing women’s political participation and legislative reforms in South Sudan.
“We urge all stakeholders to act on these recommendations to ensure a more equitable and peaceful future for South Sudan,” it further stressed.
The Round Table Discussion was organized as part of the We Cannot Wait Project, a five-year initiative funded by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs under the Strengthening Civil Society Power of Women Grant
(ST)