SUDAN: NBGS: Women Form Referendum Awareness Campaign Committee

RENK - South Sudan Women Empowerment Network, a body that works to enlighten women on political, economic, social, and traditional matters, has on Friday concluded three days workshop in the southern state of Northern Bahr el Ghazal. The association was initially formed by southern Sudanese women activists in the Diaspora but its activities have been extended to various capitals of the ten states of South since the formation of the government of southern Sudan in 2005.

The activities of the network have been concentrated on civic education for population census, the April elections and, now they are engaged in enlightening women on the process and the conduct of the upcoming referendum.

Robert Majok Kuol, a youth activist, in an interview with this reporter from Aweil town confirmed completion and formation of South Sudan Women's Network chapter in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State on Friday. “They have held workshop attended by all women representatives in the five counties of the state in Aweil town. It was successful workshop and they have elected their leaders and have formed referendum campaign awareness committee. This committee will extend activities of this body to other areas to ensure equity”, he said.

On her part, Lillian Riziq, a representative of South Sudan Women Empowerment, in a separate interview with this reporter reiterated achievements of the workshop and the formation of what she termed as a peaceful referendum committee. She said activities of the committee will be education of women and other community based groups in the state to know the importance of the upcoming referendum in whatever language spoken in the area where civic education on referendum will be conducted.

Appreciating formation of the committee in his opening remarks, Colonel Madut Dut Yel, acting governor of the state, commended SSWEN for reaching women in the state and urged them to work together for successful conduct of referendum as they did for elections.

“I have no doubt that you women know what to do. I do not know in other state, but in Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State, during April national elections, women used to be the first in all polling stations and were the last to leave the polling stations. The result of election was yours. I hope you continue with that determination”, said Madut Dut Yel, deputy governor and a minister of local government in the state.

The official, who was also serving as acting Governor, told the audience at the workshop that there is no insecurity in the state to hamper the conduct of a free and fair referendum. We do not have insecurity in Northern Bahr-el-Ghazal State to hinder conduct of the upcoming referendum. Therefore, I encourage the South Sudan Women's Empowerment Network (SSWEN) to continue empowering our women, he said.

Switching to politics, the acting governor also pledged to involve women in decision making roles. We shall always bring you on board in decision making positions as required by the constitution of Southern Sudan.

Of course action speaks louder than words. The majorities among you here are widows of fallen heroes either in the previously government held towns or in SPLA/M liberated areas. This referendum is, therefore, about you to decide the future of Southern Sudan, he said.