An organization in Eastern Equatoria state has called upon women in Sudan to consider gender unity above political differences.
Ms. Lucy Iliha Quinto, chairperson for Women organization in Eastern Equatoria, was speaking yesterday at a belated commemoration of International Women’s Day in Torit’s Freedom Square, Radio Emmanuel reported.
Ms. Iliha called upon all women in Southern Sudan to unite for a common goal, regardless of their political affiliations.
She added that women in South Sudan equally suffered during the two decades civil war and sacrificed a lot in the liberation of the semi-autonomous region.
Ms. Iliha said women in South Sudan should first consider unity to address the issues affecting them, without interference from political differences.
The leader of women in eastern Equatoria emphasized promotion of girl child education by appealing to the government to construct more schools and establishment of health centres in the rural areas to help women access medical services with short distances.
Ms. Iliha urged women to participate in income generating activities, and respect for human rights as well as respect for the rights of the women and children.
She called for an end of killing of women during raids, abolition of use of girl child to compensate for murder crimes committed by men, discourage early and forceful marriages.
Introduction of micro-enterprises production as an alternative to alcohol brewing, HIV and AIDS awareness, human right education, sensitization on gender violence and adult literacy were among the top concerns raised during the Torit celebrations of International Women’s Day.