By Hassan Arun Cosmas – Yei
As the world celebrates the international women’s day, Yei River County women are calling for awareness to break all forms of barriers affecting them.
They call for collective responsibility that overcomes the bias in communities, schools, colleges and universities, Radio Easter reported.
Voice for Change Senior Case Manager, Mary Tukwaje, on Tuesday said awareness plays a big role in breaking the bias.
Mary appeals to the government non-governmental organizations to take full charge of women awareness on the negative behavior that leads to violence at homes and in communities.
She believes that women are capable of doing what the men are doing whether in office or at home.
“Some of the barriers can be overcome if we put the following into consideration. If we identify that these are the problems that affecting the females, it is good for government and none governmental organizations to take charge full charge of awareness to the communities especially women. Advocacy on international days can also help overcome some of the bias,” she clarified.
The manger clarifies that her fellow women do not want to compete with men, but rather share responsibility and have equal opportunity.
She pleads to the government to improve the security in the country in order for women to progress and reduce the burden on men.
Tukwaje believes that if there is total peace and security, women will rapidly progress through the businesses they conduct.
“It is not that we are competing to take the positions of men, but we need to be in equal level with them pursuing equal opportunities together. Another thing which I believe will break barriers is security improvement. The government should look into improving the security such that women are able to go to outside markets to bring goods and sell. I m here pleading to our government on behalf of the other women that our governments listen to us. If there is security, south Sudan will be a better place for everyone,” cites the senior case worker.
Another woman, Joy Catherine, Councilor in Humanity and Inclusion organization, reminds all stakeholders to support the women in raising their issues.
She calls on the government, none governmental organizations, civil society, faith-based organizations, UN agencies, youth to collectively work to uplift rights of women in all societies.
“It is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders which comprises of government, local and international organizations, civil society faith-based organizations and youth to uplift the women in order to come out in advocacy to talk about their position and rights so that it is heard all over,” she appeals.
The International Women’s Day is annually celebrated on the 8th March to offer an opportunity to reflect on progress made by the South Sudanese women.
It is also to advocate for change, celebrate acts of courage and determination by ordinary women who played extra-ordinary role in the history of the country.
The day is also meant to advocate for more women participation on the top government positions including parliament and taking part in decision making.
This year’s global theme for the International Women’s Day is: “Break the Bias” while the national theme is gender equality for sustainability.
