This week, women leaders from 15 African countries converged at the UN-backed ‘International Conference on Women’s Transformational Leadership’, in Juba, South Sudan. Discussing challenges faced by the nations, the leaders resolved to further women’s rights for peace and growth.
A report by the United Nations said that the purpose was to advance progress, counter-pressing concerns, and arrive at sustainable solutions to issues impacting women and girls in South Sudan and across Africa.
South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit said it was important for the government to protect women’s rights, pointing out that gender violence hinders peace and development. “Let us keep working towards a better day for women and girls.”
While women’s participation in African parliaments has doubled in the last decades, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed pointed out there was more to be done.
“Many factors continue to impede women’s leadership and participation on an equal basis with their male counterparts,” she said, emphasizing a need to boost efforts to correct this.
South Sudan was a good place to start building a movement for transformational leadership, she added. Pledging UN support for South Sudan’s ongoing efforts and further achievements, she said, “We need women to participate in finding solutions that work for all. Together, we can turn ambitions into action.”
