As the world prepares to celebrate International Women’s Day, on 8th March, Women Union in Central Equatoria has raised concerns about presidents not attending their functions and listening to their grievances.
This concern was raised during the International Women’s Day briefing by the leaders of Central Equatoria Women Union in Juba.
The Secretary-General for the Women’s Union Sarah Michael regrets that the President of South Sudan does not attend their occasions
Sarah Michael said it has been a challenge for them to express their issues to the leaders of South Sudan during their occasions.
“Since we got peace, our president, or our leaders are not putting their attention on our day as women, anyone is saying I am busy.”
“I am passing this information to our president Salva Kiir Mayardit, our president of the Republic of South Sudan, we are women, we are the ones who gave birth to you, and it has never happened one day you join us as women to celebrate together and see the pain we have in our hearts,” she said.
The Women’s Union Secretary appreciates President Kiir for considering International Women’s Day, adding that they are not happy because men are not respecting their day.
“President you should look after women in the Republic of South Sudan, we are women of Central Equatoria or South Sudan at large, we are happy because you gave us our day. But we are annoyed because once it comes to our day, only women are the ones that celebrate and all men will be in the office.”
Sarah appeals to all women to turn up and raise their voices on issues affecting them in South Sudan.
The Chairperson of Central Equatoria Women Union Cicilia Laku Wani encourages women to leave work and celebrate their day, which is scheduled for 8 of March 2024.
This year’s International Women’s Day will be celebrated under the Theme: “Accelerating gender equality through inclusion and access to productive resources for women and girls.”
The President’s office has yet to respond to the women concerned.