South Sudan peace monitors call for inclusion of gender issues in pact

JUBA, MARCH 6, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) Interim Chairperson, Maj. General Charles Tai Gituai on Monday called for the inclusion of gender issues in the 2018 peace deal.

Gituai made this call during a workshop organized in Juba on Monday ahead of International Women’s Day 2023.

“In spite of the fact that UNSCR 1325 on the role of women in conflict resolution and peace processes, which calls for the adoption of gender perspectives, especially of women’s and girls’ needs in peace agreements, and their implementation mechanisms, and for the protection and respect of their rights, women continue to face obstacles in the realization of this aspiration, and do so during the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement,” said Gituai.

Gituai said the gender issues include access to power, inclusivity and effective participation, and gender bias.

“The challenges facing women are enormous, especially in our continent and also in South Sudan. They include those related to access to power, inclusivity and effective participation, and gender bias,” he said.

He said unless the challenges facing women are adequately addressed, the perspectives and concerns of women will be overlooked in politics as well as in the implementation of the Roadmap.

“This, therefore, calls for women to be respected and not to be ignored or undermined, and women should be assertive in making their voices heard.”

RJMEC chief encouraged the R-TGoNU and all the political parties to provide an enabling environment for South Sudanese women to fully participate in the implementation of a peace deal.

“The increase in women’s representation from 25% under the previous Peace Agreement to 35% under the Revitalized Peace Agreement is a sheer demonstration of the women’s agency in arguing their case for effective representation and participation in political processes, including in all state institutions.”