South Sudan minister vows government commitment to gender equality

September 13, 2010 (MELUT) — John Luk Jok, a minister of Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development on Sunday vowed commitment of the regional government of southern Sudan to gender equality, at all levels.

Jok, a lawyer by training, told Sudan Tribune from Juba that all institutions of the Government of southern Sudan (GoSS) have a policy to ensure that qualified women are appointed to high positions where they can participate in decision-making.

“It is a policy of the government of south Sudan that all capable women are appointed to positions equal their aptitudes,” said Jok, adding that he is happy that he has been able to see that all presidential appointments include women representatives.

Jok, said that the cabinet has capable women whose contributions are valuable and helpful to the nation, spoke to Sudan Tribune after attending a day-long meeting in Juba, with women legal counselors, awaiting distribution to their assigned work locations in the region.

Salva Kiir Mayardit, first vice president and president of GoSS, pledged to increase 25% women to 30% before the April elections. He has appointed seven women into the cabinet.

“Today, I can tell you we have capable women in Supreme Court and High Court judges and we still need more of them,” said Jok, adding, “I just want to say during this five years interim period, we have been able to see women judges take up their places both as Supreme Court and High Court judges. ”

“This is not by coincidence. This is a deliberate move by both the Judiciary and Government to ensure participation of qualified ladies is taking place in our country continuously,” said Jok.

Jok, a leading member of the ruling party, said his government, through his ministry plans to ensure that every legal institution has a women representative. He wished the judges all the best and God’s guidance as they take on their important tasks whenever and wherever they find their assignments.

Jok dismisses recent unsubstantiated attacks on the Judiciary by what he termed “some sections of society” and called for respect for the sanctity principal of judicial independence.

He described the Judiciary as the cornerstone institution in any democracy as final arbiter for all disputes which arise in the country, whether political or commercial.

Following the appointment of seven women ministers to the cabinet after the elections, many women activists commended Kiir for appointing them to important positions, saying that their appointment reflects the party’s manifesto to udana gender balanced society.

Alessio Makuc Makuc Ngongdit, Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Secretary General and current advisor on political affairs to the Warrap State governor, at the time of appointment and announcement of the new cabinet in Juba in June, congratulated Kiir, saying that the, “appointment of female ministers reflects the party’s manifesto of having a gender balanced society not only in politics but also in decision making positions.”

Ngongdit said capable women deserve appreciation by giving them decision making positions, which will immensely contribute to the country’s economic development. He believes that their appointments are key to the empowerment of women outside of politics – in the community.

“The party is very excited about the appointment of five female lawyers as High Court Judges. We commend President Banda for recognizing women who are dedicated to serve the nation,”

“The move will also encourage other women to take up decision-making positions in society. The appointment of the women ministers will boost manpower in the cabinet thereby contributing to the quick disposal of cases which might be delayed,”

“Women have a big role to play in developing the country politically and economically. The party is very sure that women will be role models to our young boys and girls to remain in school and concentrate on their studies,” said Ngongdit

(ST)