Lakes State yesterday joined the rest of the world in celebrating the 16 days of activism to end violence against women.
Addressing the public at Rumbek Freedom Square, acting Governor Mabor Meen Wuol said, the women of South Sudan actively participated during the 21 years of war by cooking for the SPLA soldiers and should not be forgotten.He promised the women that the Government of Lakes State is ready to commit itself to protect them against any sort of violence.
Gender Advisor to the Governor of Lakes State Adak Kosta Mapour reminded the public that women in Lakes State are still victims of violence and will not keep quiet about their situation.
She added that the 16 days of activism will help the people to remember many of the women who have passed away due to violence.
She called for an immediate end to violence against women.
Xhemil Shahu from the UN Refugees agency said women should be given equal opportunities to education and financial empowerment, stressing that parents should allow girls to access education and compete with the boys.
He called for the culture of early marriage to be abolished, urging the public to speak up against violence in the society.
Violence against women and girls take many forms around the world and these include rape, domestic violence, and abuse at work place among others.
The theme of this year’s celebration is “From peace in the home to the peace in the world.”