Women’s group demands for more representation in parliament.

Mrs. Modi Enosa Mbaraza Executive Director of “Young Women Christian South Sudan” reading out the press statement to the media (Photo: John Agok)

By John Agok 

A women’s group known as “ Young Women Christian Association South Sudan” is demanding that more women be appointed to parliament from South Sudan’s five peace parties.

”We call upon R-TGONU parties to demonstrate commitment in all upcoming appointments and compensate the women in their parties of the seats lost in the previous appointment at all levels. These include undersecretaries and foreign missions. We appeal to the parties to include Young Women in their appointments.” Reads part of a press statement from the women’s group

Chapter one of the South Sudan’s 2018 peace deal stipulates that women should make up at least 35 percent of government institutions during the transitional period.

The “Young Women Christian South Sudan” says only 33 percent of current parliament is made up of women. The group says the remaining 2% slot for women should be filled as stipulated in the peace agreement.

“The Young Women Christian Association conducted a stakeholders conference to discuss the status of implementation of the minimum 35% women quota as per Articles 16 (4A) of the Transitional Constitution of South Sudan 2011as amended, 1.1.4 and 1.12.2…..we sadly noted that the parties have violated Article 1.1.4 and we call RTGONU to demonstrate commitment in all upcoming appointments at all levels.” The group added.

The women’s group also said that it was deeply concerned that the overall implementation of the R-ARCSS is sluggish and many deadlines have been missed.
It said, “We urged the parties to expedite the reconstitution of the state parliaments and look into proper formation of Administrative Areas with 35%Affirmative Action in Mind”. 

It further said it will present a document on its demand to Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare (MoGC&SW), the RTNLA and Foreign Embassies.