Women are appealing to President Salva Kiir Mayardit to reconsider the thirty-five percent representation by removing men occupying females’ positions in the unity government.
Secretary-General of Voice for Change who is also a member of South Sudan coalition for peace Lona James Elia said the expected R-TGoNu was supposed to have at least six women as ministers and two deputies ministers.
She disclosed that they have written a letter to the president concerning their representation as agreed in the 2018 revitalized peace accord.
‘We say the president should reconsider. We agree that the government has been formed and we acknowledge that there are wrong people who have been given those sits. We are saying that these men should be removed and give the women back their sits. Otherwise thanks to the President and we still hope that he will give us back our seats those men are warming’, the lady pointed out.
She added that ‘about four seats that have been warm up by these men and also is our prayer that the national legislative assembly that the 35 percent will be adhered to. In case there is any shortage of women, let them ask us [ask women] and we will be able to give them a list’.
Ms James argued that there are capable women who can be appointed in the positions occupied by men.
‘Let them ensure from their different parties that the 35 percent is adhered to because adhered to the formation of the national government, there will be formation of the state government, including the governors, commissioners and state ministers. We need to ensure insure that the same 35 percent is echoed at that level and that the national commissions and even the ambassadors or foreign missions that women are represented’, she said.
The lady furthered that ‘when we are saying women should be represented, not any other woman, but we are saying women who have the capacity, skills and women who can be able to deliver and they are available’.
The Secretary-General clarified that women’s representation is very important because they can bring experiences and ideas to the new government and ensure that the peace agreement holds.
‘There representation is very important because we bring a unique experiences and unique approaches at all level. As women, we have never thought of taking arms to fight for positions and we have always been known as peace makers’, she said.
‘We will not compromise and allow conflict to erupt because of positions or because we want to earn selfish game. So when they are given this opportunity, instead of thinking about themselves, self-interest, they will also put the interest of the country at hane and look at what they can offer’, Lona noted.
The Secretary-General of Voice for Change said the women will continue pushing for their rights.