By Guya Scopas Bethuel
The European Union has reiterated its commitment to advancing the role of women in South Sudan’s security and peace processes, calling for greater inclusion, equality, and recognition of women in uniform.
Speaking during the Women in Uniform Day celebration at Freedom Hall in Juba, Lothar Jaschke, Acting Head of the EU Delegation to South Sudan, hailed the contributions of the South Sudan Security Sector Women’s Network as the organization marked its third anniversary.
“You are still very young but already indispensable,” Jaschke told members of the network. He emphasized the importance of meaningful female participation in all aspects of peacebuilding, from negotiations and conflict prevention to peacekeeping and post-conflict recovery.
The event also marked 25 years since the adoption of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security (WPS), a landmark agreement that recognizes women’s critical role in conflict resolution and peacebuilding.
“Women have always been part of conflict — as peacemakers, combatants, politicians, or activists,” Jaschke said. “They have a fundamental right to participate in decisions that affect them — often disproportionately.”
Citing global evidence that peace agreements involving women are more likely to be sustained and successfully implemented, he urged South Sudan’s leaders to ensure that women are given more space, equal pay, and recognition within the country’s security institutions and political structures.
Jaschke co-chairs the WPS working group in South Sudan alongside the British Embassy and UN Women. He underscored the need for continued collaboration between civil society, government institutions, and international partners to push the agenda forward.
“Including women from the beginning of political processes, such as elections, is essential,” he said. “Men don’t have to disappear but they must walk alongside women, not ahead of them.”
The EU, Jaschke noted, is leading by example. The bloc currently conducts 21 civilian and military operations globally under its Common Security and Defense Policy. All missions are mandated to implement the WPS agenda, with a target to raise women’s participation from 25% to 40% in civilian missions. The EU diplomatic service, he added, has achieved gender parity, and its top leadership includes women at the helm of the Commission, Parliament, and Foreign Affairs office.
He concluded by applauding the event organizers including UNDP, UNMISS, UNESCO, the Peacebuilding Fund, and Hope Africa South Sudan — and saluted the contributions of South Sudanese women in uniform.
“We see you, we respect you, we appreciate you. Your work, courage, and presence matter. You are role models the stars many want to be,” Jaschke said.
“May every day be the day of women in uniform,” he added, ending with a blessing for peace and stability in South Sudan.