Civil society organizations based in Lakes State capital, Rumbek, sent a message on the rights of women with a focus on gender based violence and equal participation of women ahead of Tuesday’s International Women’s Day.
The message in English, Dinka and Arabic was communicated to Good News Radio on Thursday by Risper Maker who also read it.The various organizations say they would like to see equal participation of women in all areas of life; the promotion of girl child education and equal opportunities for women.
The message addresses the issues of respect and dignity of women, voicing concerns about the use of women as men’s property, women’s marginalization in the decision making, and early and forced marriages.
UNMIS human rights officer James Fandes said the celebration of the International Women’s Day on Tuesday has the theme, Equal Access to Education, Trading, Science and Technology: pave way to decent Work for Women.
He insisted that women have a very important role to play in every sector of society, adding that this year’s celebration lays emphasis on the participation of women in community affairs.