October 13, 2010 (JUBA) – The votes of southern Sudanese women in January's self-determination referendum will be a determining factor in the outcome, says the Vice President of the regional government, Riek Machar.

When Roza Isakovna Otunbayeva was selected to be President of Kyrgyzstan, she became the first woman head of state in the predominantly Muslim Central Asian region.

And she also took on a mission. Her mission is to pave the way for parliamentary democracy in a country that was formerly a part of the Soviet Union.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today outlined measures to strengthen the United Nations role in helping countries emerging from conflict to maintain peace and entrench stability, stressing the need for rapid deployment of trained staff, predictable financing, partnerships and ensuring the participation of women.

Mendefera — Concerted action is being taken to strengthen the competitiveness and productivity of women in all aspects, according to Ms. Dehab Suleiman, head of research and information in the NUEW.

Speaking at a training offered in Mendefera town to 230 women from all the administrative regions, she noted the paramount importance of nurturing dynamic women equipped with the necessary knowledge and skill.

It is refreshing to see that regional bodies are at the forefront of handling issues that have nagged the East African Community (EAC) like illegal exploitation of natural resources.

The International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR), is a body that stands for peace, security, stability and development and boasts of a membership of 13 countries

A three-day conference on women and the 2011 referendum was convened today at the Southern Sudan Legislative Assembly building in Juba by the Office of the President of the Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) and the GoSS Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare.

New York, US - The Vice-Chair of the UN Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Ms. Xiaoqaio Zou, has decried the rise in discrimination and violence against women. 'Despite progress in the realization of women's rights across the world, challenges remain.

Head of Newly Created 'UN Women' Michele Bachelet Addresses Committee; Also Hears Reports on Violence against Women, Obstetric Fistula, Anti-Discrimination Committee

The participation of women in organized violence, from guerilla movements to terrorism is a problematic and under-researched phenomenon. In peace, as former guerrillas go back to the anonymity of 'normality', outside interest subsides and marginalization becomes a real threat.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today encouraged everyone in the Caribbean to get involved in the quest to end violence against women – a scourge which affects one in every three women in the region during her lifetime.