Women should economically empower themselves if they are to overcome common stereotypes and biases in society, South Sudan’s Vice President, Rebecca Nyandeng de Mabior has advised.
Her message is contained in a speech to women and girls as South Sudan joins the rest of the world to commemorate International Women’s Day.
“We should empower themselves economically so that the men can know we are part and parcel of them in the upbringing of families. At the same time, we need to educate our girls to know that this day belongs to them,” said Nyandeng.
She said the International Women’s Day has enabled women to be heard.
“Women were not being heard out internationally until women’s day came into existence. Am grateful to those who created this day,” said Nyandeng, who chairs the Gender, Youth and Humanitarian cluster.
She further reiterated earlier call for South Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries to return home before elections can take place.
“My position has not changed, not only for elections. They are eager to come back to their country. Noting is better than home. This is their home even if they live under trees. When we talk to our partners, they are concerned about security,” stressed the Vice President.
She added, “So if we are going for elections, we need those people”.
Last week, the Vice President launched the women and youth enterprise development fund, which are key provisions in the revitalized peace deal.
“I want women to enter the politics as well as the private sector so that they are stronger. Women should not be despised by anybody,” she stressed.
Nyandeng further disclosed that the African Development Bank (AfDB), World Bank, United States aid arm (USAID) and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) expressed willingness to assist South Sudan when approached.
“It is now upon us to see if we can stand up to these challenges,” she stated.
In South Sudan, increasing insecurity and a deteriorating economic situation continues to force people, mainly the women and children, out of their home
