UN empowers women-led CSOs in Bentiu to advance participation

BENTIU – The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Gender Affairs Unit took a pivotal stride in enhancing women’s representation in Bentiu by hosting a comprehensive two-day workshop for 50 members of civil society organizations (CSOs).

“The two days’ workshop will enable women civil society organizations to know their participations in the civic and political space including permanent constitutional process and gender responsive electoral process,” said Mrs. Edea Sharon Lelega, Officer of the UNMISS Gender Affairs Unit.

The workshop, conducted in Bentiu on Thursday, encompassed pivotal subjects, including civic and political engagement, understanding the functions and obligations of CSOs, and cultivating relationships with governmental and security entities.

This comprehensive approach aims to empower women, equipping them with vital tools to navigate the political realm and assert their rightful presence in decision-making processes.

Mrs. Lelega emphasized the significance of grasping the intricacies within civic and political domains.

“Through an understanding of these spheres’ dynamics, the 50 participants can effectively advocate for increased women’s involvement in permanent constitutional processes and gender-responsive electoral systems,” she said.

The initiative deeply resonated with Bentiu’s women-led CSOs, echoed in the sentiments of Mary Nyakun Diew, Deputy Chairlady of the Bentiu Town Women Union.

“We are immensely grateful to UNMISS for orchestrating this workshop. It furnishes us with knowledge and confidence to push for the realization of the 35% quota, ensuring that women’s voices resound across all echelons,” she said.

The workshop, orchestrated by UNMISS Gender Affairs Unit, saw active involvement from personnel within the UNMISS Protection of Civilians (PoC) Unit and the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division (CAD).