S. Sudan women’s association elects leader
By Isaac Vuni
May 31, 2009 (JUBA) — The Southern Sudan Women General Association (SSWG) has today at Juba Bridge hotel elected Mrs. Sarah Awel James chairlady for a three year term of office. Mrs. James comes from Bor county in Jonglei state.
James got 41 votes against 18 of Jasmin Samuel from Western Equatoria state. Although Hon. Jasmin Samuel accepted to work for promoting women in the whole south Sudan, she wondered how the three states of Greater Equatoria could compete against seven states of greater Bahr el Ghazal, Upper Nile and Jonglei.
Hon. Abuk Payiti Ayik disclosed that it was Dr. Anne Itto, SPLM Deputy Secretary General for Southern Sector, who nominated Jasmin Samuel to contest against Sarah Awel James, knowing that the two candidates are both from the same SPLM party and have worked tirelessly in promoting women’s rights under the New Sudan.
The electoral process was supervised by lawyer Perpetuwa Ajonye and former first lady and now presidential adviser on gender and human rights, Rebecca de Mabior.
The 60 selected council members are invited for supper in the house of the president by the first lady, including observers and state ministers.
Other posts went to Secretary-General Suzy Wasuki Sokiri from Warrap state, who was declared unopposed. Asha Suleman Yasin from Jonglei state was nominated unopposed as Finance and Administration Secretary. Secretary for Social welfare and Gender went to Mrs. Mary Rita from Bahr el Ghazal. Secretary for peace and reconciliation went to Hon. Payiti and Mama Rebecca de Mabior.
Secretary for Information and culture was given to the Equatorian delegation. Secretary for External Affairs was given to Equatoria. Secretary for Training and Research was also given to Equatoria.
As this story was filed, women were celebrating their success in forming the council, adoption of a name, and election of 60 councilors and 21 office-bearers.
The sixty elected council members of Southern Sudan Women General Association (SSWG) are:
Easter Equatoria state:
Blassa Ibalu Hellen Siyam Pasquale, Rebecca Peter, Josephine Abala,
Madelene Biaro Aiiol, Angela Achiro Onorio, Blasala Akongo James
Central Equatoria state: Easter Awete, Maka Mustafa, Pibona Yona, Jenefa Yabu, Nadia James, Bethy Poni
Western Equatoria state:
Jasimine Samuel, candidate for chairperson, Sicdonia Nobidior, Madelena Anite, Volet Sadia James, Grace Thomas Mustafa, Jackline John
Western Bahr el Ghazal: Angelina Paulino Rial, Cecilia Daniel Anei, Fatima Mohamoud Ashir, Mary Rita Sabastiano, Esterina Patario Darnas, Huda Haidors Saleh
Northern Bahr el Ghazal: Tereza Atong Deng, Nyiibol Achor Thdel, Zakara Mustafa Osman, Victoria Ayak Biet, Achol William Amoi, Elizabeth Ajok Atak
Lakes state: Mary Mathon, Marina Legge, Mary Ali Dani, Hellena Nybol Rin, Elizbeth Stephen, Asunata Majok
Warrap state: Suzy Wasuk Sokiri, Tereza Athian Bol, Kuei Toby Mawien, Abuk Yaac Arop, Mary Ariek John, Ayak Luka Ngor/Nyendeng Gang Guil
Unity state: Asha Suleman Yasin, Angelina William Wethakak, Halima Khamis Alnor, Nyataba Reur Garkek, Nyapouda Nhial Galwak, Sana Abdalla Hussen
Upper Nile state: Marin Awang, Mary Achol Thon, Elizabeth Nyawal Chol
Sarah Nyabok, Tereza Mario Mack, Mary William Adhil
Jonglei state: Sarah Awel James, candidate for chairperson, Sarah Nyakouth Kauch, Julia Cladio Wani, Anna Yom Dau, Regina James Gathluak, Munira Abdel Waba John
(ST)