The Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (JMEC) has urged women in the country to put aside their differences, unite and push for their representation in the various levels of government and provisions in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (ARCSS)

Speaking during a women peace march held in Juba on Wednesday 19th September, the Ag. Deputy Chief of staff- Strategy, Dr. Thomson Fontaine said “You must devise ways of remaining engaged in ensuring that the Revitalized Agreement is implemented. The time to set aside differences that divide us and move forward together as one is now”. 

The women peace march was organized by the Women Monthly Forum, the South Sudan Peace Commission, UNMISS and JMEC and brought together about 300 women from various women organizations in Juba. The special Advisor for gender in the office of the president Honorable Rachel Nyabak was the guest of honor. 

In his remarks, Dr. Fontaine further commended the efforts by the Parties who in spite of their differences, have agreed to work together for the benefit of the country. “We urge the Parties to be true to their commitment and to heed the cries of the people who are in desperate need of peace and rebuilding their lives”, he added. 

Furthermore, He also noted that the just-concluded High Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) process had been inclusive and that it had particularly ensured women were consulted in the pre-forum stages as well as given more opportunities for representation among the delegates to the talks. 

 “It is now time for all the women in the country, to unite and together push for their representation, participation and inclusion in the various levels of government, and in the decision making processes to ensure that not only are their voices heard, but also their contribution in the search for peace is being felt”, Dr. Fontaine said. 

He reiterated that JMEC remains committed in not only discharging its mandate of monitoring the implementation of the Agreement, but also in promoting women participation in the peace process. 

“We in JMEC know that encouraging women to be part of the peace process will significantly increase the chance of success in implementation and reduce the likelihood of returning to war”, he added. 

“Let us then work together to realize this Peace dividend, which can ultimately translate to growth and development in the country”, he concluded.