Women in Unity state advocate for rights in decision-making

By Chondok Stephen Magei

Women in Unity State are demanding for equal opportunities with men when it comes to making decisions on issues that concern society.

Led by the State Ministry of Gender Child and Social Welfare, the women joined the international community in commemorating the International Women’s Day.

Unity State is one of the regions of South Sudan that endured the biggest burden of a crisis which began in 2013.

Women and children bore the biggest brunt.

“Women suffered a lot during South Sudan’s conflict and this is because men looked at them as inferior,” the State Minister of Gender Child and Social Welfare, Rose Nyaboth Toch, said during the commemoration.

Toch decried the crisis which was catylsed with torture, rape and all other forms of violence against women and said they must be empowered to take control of their destiny.

“This day is important day for all women in South Sudan and everywhere in the World,” Toch said.

 “Women have rights to participate in decision making, politics and high government positions.”

Globally, the day was commemorated under the theme, “Break the bias.”

South Sudan’s national theme was “Gender Equality for Future Sustainability: Promote and Celebrate Women and Girls’ Achievements and Resilience.”

“My ministry is working hard to claim women rights and end force marriage in the state,” Toch said.