By Matik Kueth
King News 1st October 2024 – The Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring and Verification Mechanisms (CTSAMVM), has orchestrated a three-day consultative workshop to engage Civil Society Organization (CSO) leaders and other stakeholders in Security Sector Reforms Advocacy, Gender monitoring and Reporting in Juba on Tuesday.
The aim of the consultative workshop is to strengthen CSOs’ capacity to monitor, support, and participate in the processes of implementing the Revitalized Agreement for the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), particularly under Chapter 2 on Security Sector Reform.
Speaking during the opening session of the workshop at Dembesh Hotel, Maj. Gen. Yitayal Gelaw, Chairperson of the CTSAMVM, stated that the workshop was intended to develop strategies to support it since it is essential to the peace process in South Sudan.
“We gather here not just to discuss but to engage, learn, and create actionable strategies that promote gender equity in our communities. The importance of this workshop extends beyond individual empowerment. It is crucial for the peace process in South Sudan,” Maj. Gen. Gelaw said.
He said gender equality is essential to long-term peace and development and that it goes beyond social justice.
“When women and men participate equally in decision-making, we build a more stable and harmonious society. We all know that South Sudan’s civilian population has been disproportionately impacted by the violent conflicts in every inch of the country,” he stated.
Gelaw pointed out that the conflict affected women, girls, men, children, teenagers, the elderly, and those with disabilities in one way or another.
However, Joyce Ayoub, a representative of the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, stressed that considering the protracted violence in South Sudan, it is imperative to support a genuine leadership in peace building and security reforms.
“We have seen how important it is to encourage a serious leadership in peace, building security in our medias. The issue of women, peace, and security in South Sudan is crucial, given to the country’s prolonged conflict and instability,” she said.
Joyce Ayoub, Representative of the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social welfare [Matik Kueth, King Media]
She emphasized that women’s involvement in peacebuilding is essential to sustaining peace in South Sudan and goes beyond simple equality.
Ayoub added, “Like any conflict-affected nation has experienced the devastating impacts of violence where women have borne the brunt of conflicts. They have not only been victims but have also emerged as powerful agents of change, driving efforts of reconciliation, rebuilding communities, and forging pathways towards stability.”