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Women can change conflict situation
Local women sing peace songs as they show case their cultures during the Peace Celebration Day in Juba (credit:Moses Gum)
By Moses Gum
Much is known about the victimisation of most women during the conflict through rape, early marriages and Gender Based Violence among others.
However, much is so far to be discovered about how women can change conflict situation through bridging the gap towards peace.
Juba Monitor caught up with few local women on their role in peace building in South Sudan.
Margaret Chucu said women do hold a significant role in the peace process. She said better understanding of how women can transform conflict situation and how to create space for them to do so, will be vital for most concerned women to act as peace agents.
"We have to show our concern as mothers to bring peace. Our role is to see that this country is stable and peaceful", she said.
She stressed the need for women to be included in conflict management meetings.
Margaret described women as agents of peace and reconstruction actors of any nation.
TerezaIku, one of the grassroots women acknowledged the suffering the women had gone through during the five-year-old South Sudan's conflict.
She said most women and girls almost risked their lives as they go about with family activities saying some were subjected to all forms of violence.
Iku said it was important to address "the burden of war" women carry and how they couldbe protected and empowered.
She stressed that female representation in key institutions is essential for comprehensive peace implementation.
"When people plan to negotiate on table, many societal needs could be addressed rather than focusing on what makecitizens unhappy".
She stated that women do have a positive and significant impact on peace, if they increase participation in nation building.
"Local women from the conflict affected environment know better about the brunt of war. They are aware of challenges facing them. Therefore, it is vital for all to reach amicable solutions".
The women group said there was need to institutionalised gender equality by ensuring female participation in any peace building activity.
They said the ordinary South Sudanese women were desperate in getting involved in disseminating the Revitalized-peace Agreement.
Women role in disseminating peace
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