Page 4 - Issue 9

Editorial

South Sudan makes way for

access to opportunities and

decision-making power for

women Fred O. Oduke - Managing Editor

he cover story in this issue, discusses Minster for Youth, Culture and Sports. who cannot afford costs such as school
Tmatters of gender equality and In total, there are eight women in the fees, uniforms, and supplies for all of
women empowerment in South Sudan, national unity cabinet, two with the their children will prioritize education
highlighting the great strides the country important portfolios of foreign affairs for their sons.
is making and the role of women in and defence. The appointments represent Families may also rely on girls’ labor
peace building, political leadership and 25 percent which, according to most for household chores, carrying water,
economic contributions. South Sudanese women is responsive and childcare, leaving limited time
Guaranteeing the rights of women and and respond to calls for the action by the for schooling. But prioritizing girls’
education provides perhaps the single
giving them opportunities to reach their women in the country. highest return on investment in the
full potential is critical not only for While this was a great leap, South developing world.
attaining gender equality, but also for Sudan still lags behind in Africa, with
meeting a wide range of international Rwanda ranked number one in Africa An educated girl is more likely to
development goals. Empowered women and number 5worldwide on the gender postpone marriage, raise a smaller
and girls contribute to the health equality and women empowerment family, have healthier children, and send
her own children to school. She has
and productivity of their families, index, including representation in more opportunities to earn an income
communities, and countries, creating a government. and to participate in political processes,
ripple effect that benefits everyone.
The word gender describes the socially- and she is less likely to become infected
The February, 2020 peace deal in South constructed roles and responsibilities with HIV.
Sudan and the consequent naming that societies consider appropriate for The culture of underage marriages
re-organization of government under men and women. Gender equality means makes it hard for women to attain
the R-ARCSS and the naming of a that men and women have equal power a basic education. South Sudan has
new cabinet, including a woman Vice and equal opportunities for financial proportionally fewer girls attending
President, has once again placed the independence, education, and personal school than anywhere else on the planet.
East African country in the spotlight on development. Women’s empowerment UNICEF estimates that just one percent
women empowerment. is a critical aspect of achieving gender of girls finish primary school, meaning
equality. that very few will be educated enough to
Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, one of work in the top echelons of power.
the 5 Vice Presidents is the widow of the It includes increasing a woman’s sense Economic empowerment of women is
late General John Garang’, the father the of self-worth, her decision-making fundamental for growth, sustainable
youngest nation in the world. The others power, her access to opportunities and development, durable peace building
appointed vice presidents include James resources, her power and control over and achievement of the sustainable
Wani Igga, Taban Deng Gai and. Gen. her own life inside and outside the Development Goals (SDGs). Expanding
Hussein Abdelbagi Akol of the South home, and her ability to effect change. women’s ownership and control also has
Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA). Dr Yet gender issues are not focused on benefits for their families, communities
Riek Machar, the main signatory to the women alone, but on the relationship and country.
peace deal and leader of the SPLM-IO is between men and women in society. The Attaining gender equality is women’s
actions and attitudes of men and boys
the First Vice President. play an essential role in achieving gender economic and political empowerment.
Other women appointed to the cabinet equality. Though women comprise more than
are Rebecca Joshua Okwaci as Minister Education is a key area of focus. 50% of the world’s population, they
for Telecommunication and Postal Although the world is making progress only own 1% of the world’s wealth.
Services; Jemma Nunu Kumba, Minister in achieving gender parity in education, Throughout the world, women and girls
for Electricity and Dams; Catherine Juan girls still make up a higher percentage perform long hours of unpaid domestic
Bennia, Minister for Land, Housing of out-of-school children than boys. work. In some places, women still lack
and Physical Planning; Awut Deng Approximately one quarter of girls in the rights to own land or to inherit property,
Acuil, Minister for Gender and Social developing world do not attend school. obtain access to credit, earn income, or
Development; and Nadia Arop Dudi as Typically, families with limited means to move up in their workplace, free from
job discrimination.

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