Communication Office

PRESS RELEASE

(For Immediate Publication)

 Friday, 8 March 2024, Juba, South Sudan

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY 2024: RJMEC SALUTES THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN TO THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE R-ARCSS

Today, March 8, is International Women’s Day, a day where the world marks the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (RJMEC) salutes the contributions of women to the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).  

During the IGAD-led High-Level Revitalization Forum (HLRF) of the Parties and stakeholders which culminated into the Revitalised Peace Agreement, South Sudanese women played a critical role in successfully negotiating issues affecting them. The chief mediator was a woman. 

The increase in women representation from 25% under the previous Peace Agreement to 35% under the Revitalised Peace Agreement is a demonstration of women’s agency in arguing their case for effective representation and participation in political processes, including in all state institutions. 

RJMEC Chairperson, Amb. Maj. Gen. Charles Tai Gituai, says, however: “The slow implementation of the different chapters of the agreement affects women’s meaningful participation in the ongoing political and constitution making processes.” 

“How will women participate when they and their families remain hungry, lack protection, are stuck in refugee or IDP camps, have no IDs, no access to basic services, and are preoccupied with the challenge of feeding their families without access to income or productive resources?”   

“RJMEC encourages women to engage multiple stakeholders in their circles of influence, key among that is to appeal to the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity, to take action to improve the environment for women’s participation through programming and interventions targeted at investing in women to accelerate progress.” 

“The letter and spirit of the gender provisions in the Revitalised Peace Agreement are deep and far-reaching, and aimed at creating a conducive environment for women in South Sudan to actively participate in the political, economic and social life of their country. RJMEC further encourages the Parties to the Agreement to facilitate the meaningful participation of women in all aspects of Agreement implementation.”  

ENDS