This year’s Commission of Status of Women (CSW67) was held under the theme “Innovation and technological change, and education in the digital age for achieving gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls.”

With support from United Nations Population Fund in South Sudan, the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare with leadership of the Vice president, H.E. Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, Vice President for Gender and Youth Cluster, organized the first ever side event at CSW. The side event was themed “Exploring innovation and education in promotion of gender equality and women’s leadership for positive change and peacebuilding.”

The side event was an opportunity to show the world the strength and resilience of women of South Sudan who have been at the foundation of the country’s independence and development.

As a 12-year-old nation, CSW67 was a fountain of wisdom on this journey for gender equality. Reflecting on this year’s Priority theme, the side event focused on Exploring innovation and education in promotion of gender equality and women’s leadership for positive change and peace building. There is need to recognize the positive linkages between innovation, education, gender equality and peace.

The steady fast leadership and restless efforts of H.E Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior as a living example to the women, girls, men and boys in South Sudan was commended.

“You have shown over the years that women and girls can achieve their dreams through perseverance and claiming equal space at the negotiation table”- Hon. Aya Benjamin Warille, Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare.

On appreciating the support of UNFPA in South Sudan, the Minister said,

“Dr. Demola usually reminds us that a bird cannot fly with one wing. I would therefore like to use this opportunity to extend my gratitude to UNFPA South Sudan for your consistent support to the Government and people of South Sudan. Through your support, we are in high gear on the road to promoting women’s rights, documenting the reality of the women’s lives of South Sudanese and gradually shaping standards on gender equality and the empowerment of women in this nation.” 

Technology is rapidly shaping how people engage with the world. And yet, when the girls are pursuing education, they are encouraged to pursue non-technology related areas. The technology-led areas are largely dominated by men and boys. And this comes from deep-rooted stereotypes about the roles and capabilities of women and girls. The government leadership need to urgently bridge this digital access divide between women and men, girls and boys so that we harness the strength of the whole population.

“To the women in South Sudan, the world hears us, and recognize your contributions for the country’s development. And above all, this is an opportunity to celebrate our gains. On a day like this, I would encourage you to reflect on the journey thus far. Yes, there is a long way to go but we have to acknowledge we have covered probably the hardest part of the journey. You are the true champions of the nation” H.E Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior, VP for Gender and Youth Cluster.

While there has been progress in some of the targets of the International Conference for Population Development (ICPD) Plan of Action, countries including South Sudan still have a long way to go achieve the SDGs, particularly those directly related to the health, empowerment and well-being of women and girls. Conflicts and climate induced shocks, coupled with deeply rooted negative cultural norms and practices, continue to increase women and girls’ vulnerabilities, and curtail their agency and bodily autonomy. GBV is a real concern and so is the rampant femicide associated with family feuds arising from forced early marriages.

Technology is good when used for the betterment of the society however poses some newer challenges like online intimidation and harassment of women and girls. People have to harness the strength of technology to advance women and girls rights, and also safeguard them from potential risks of targeting and intimidation.

“On behalf of UNFPA, I re-affirm commitment and pledge to continue the journey until every woman and youth in globally and in this case South Sudan has equal rights, opportunities and access to information, knowledge, services to enable them to participate in the peacebuilding and development as equal citizens” Dr Julitta Onabanjo, Director of Technical Division.