Speaking at a consultative meeting held on Saturday at Palm Africa Hotel in Juba, Akol, who hails from the same state, emphasised that women continue to lag in all sectors and that realising their potential through dedicated support is essential for development.
“There are many young women and girls in the state who aspire to grow professionally,” Akol stated. “If your leadership supports women and girls, they will be able to support themselves, their families, and their communities at large.”
The Deputy Minister highlighted the vulnerability of women and girls who are often forced into marriages they do not want, which deprives them of their rights to pursue their potential and aspirations.
“It is time the leadership recognises their importance as individuals and works to emancipate them,” she said. She refuted claims that girls are solely a source of wealth, urging communities to reconsider and reform such outdated perspectives.
“Many elderly people see educated women as a threat in families, claiming they are unruly toward men and that their decisions contradict men’s authority,” Akol explained.
“This isn’t true. Educated women can make informed decisions that are beneficial to their families and society at large.” She stressed the need for laws to shield women and girls from practices that hinder their progress.
In response, Governor Simon Ober Mawut detailed his administration’s efforts to promote women in leadership roles.
“When I assumed office, I found the position of Speaker of Parliament occupied by a woman. Some MPs conspired to remove her, but I rejected their efforts and reinstated her,” he said. “Additionally, when the People with Disabilities association nominated candidates for the House of Laws, they submitted three names—two men and one woman—and I endorsed the woman.”
Mawut also revealed plans to allocate funds to support women’s cooperatives, which will open accounts with reputable banks to access financial resources for business empowerment.
“I recently held consultations with women’s associations formed in Aweil,” he said. “I informed them that they will be supported with funds, enabling them to review their activities annually, retain the interest, and redirect the capital to other associations.”
Furthermore, Mawut emphasised his administration’s commitment to girls’ education, noting that a forthcoming School Support Fund will prioritise girls to ensure their educational needs are met.
The consultative meeting, which lasted a full day, brought together Juba-based intellectuals from Northern Bahr El Ghazal, including members of parliament, academicians, military generals, and ministers.
They brainstormed on strategies to address critical issues facing the state. The meeting concluded with a resolution to continue discussions at an upcoming conference scheduled for December in Aweil Town, where politicians, government officials, diaspora members, and people from all walks of life will gather to tackle the state’s challenges.
