JMEC Chairperson H.E. Festus Mogae said, “I am a firm believer in the ability and power that women have to make real contributions to sustainable peace in any country. It now widely acknowledged that women are real agents of peaceful transformation in communities the world over. South Sudanese women are no exception.“

He added “The Peace Agreement concerns all citizens of South Sudan and they must have ownership over it. You, as the peoples’ representatives and are best placed to make this a reality,”

The Chairperson was addressing members of the Women Parliamentary Caucus (WPC) in South Sudan, during a workshop on the ARCSS, in Juba yesterday.

“I urge you to hold the parties accountable as pertains to women’s participation and engagement in ARCSS institutions and processes. You as Members of Parliament have a voice that you can deploy to advance gender equality,” the Chairperson urged the Members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA).

The one-day workshop was intended increase understanding by the WPC members on the ARCSS and creates space and opportunity for them to discuss their role in the implementation of the Peace Agreement.

Women parliamentarians (106 in the current TNLA) are a significant constituency for the implementation of the ARCSS and their role in monitoring implementation is central to ensuring fidelity to the Agreement.