A women’s organization is decrying gender underrepresentation in official places urging the Government to respect the constitutional 25 percent minimum representation.
The lament came at the end of a five-day training workshop organised to uphold women and girl-child rights in the Constitution of South Sudan.South Sudan Women Empowerment Network Directress Lillian Rizik told the media that the training aimed to equip women with knowledge and skills to create awareness about their rights in the Transitional Constitution.
She said during their deliberations the women realized that certain laws and customs were not in line with the Transitional Constitution.
Ms Rizik cited restrictions on inheritance and succession and degrading treatment of widows and domestic violence under customary laws.
She added that they have observed that the 25 percent affirmative action was poorly implemented during the interim period and after independence.
Ms Rizik said her network is calling upon the Government under the leadership of President Salva Kiir Mayardit to give attention to the effective implementation of the 25 percent affirmative action which is stated in the Constitution.
She added that women’s capacities should be strengthened and adult and girl-child education prioritized and made attractive.
Ms Rizik said all customary laws should be made in line with the Constitution of South Sudan and the Government should accelerate the ratification and adaption of regional and international treaties and convention on women’s rights.
Ms Rizik said the country cannot achieve its political, economic and social objectives without the successful integration of women into the nation and state building projects.