The acting head of the European Union (EU) delegation, Lothar Jaschke, has called for greater inclusion of women in political processes such as elections, which he said can help reduce conflict and violence.
Jaschke made the remarks on Monday during the Women in Uniform Day 2025 ceremony at Freedom Hall in Juba, which also marked the third anniversary of the South Sudan Security Sector Women’s Network.
“Women have always been involved in conflict in different roles—as peacemakers, combatants, dependents, politicians, or activists—and have a fundamental human right to participate in decision-making that affects them, often disproportionately,” he said.
“Historical evidence shows that peace deals involving women are more sustainable and more likely to be implemented. Peace is easier to achieve when women are at the negotiating table,” he added.
Jaschke said men should not step aside but instead give women more space, equality—including equal pay—and greater recognition.
He noted that the event also marked 25 years since UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted on October 31, 2000, which he called a milestone in multilateralism, backed by a broad coalition of countries, including EU members.
Still, he acknowledged that equal opportunities for women in security forces and peace processes remain a challenge globally and in South Sudan.
“Your role as role models—and our role as pressure groups—is crucial to turning words into action and advancing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda in South Sudan, which I believe will make the country more peaceful and stable,” he said.
The EU is a strong supporter of the WPS agenda, with 21 military and civilian missions worldwide under its Common Security and Defence Policy. All missions are tasked with implementing UNSCR 1325 and increasing female participation in civilian missions from 25% to 40%.
The EU’s top leadership—including the presidents of the European Commission and Parliament, as well as the foreign policy chief—are women, and gender parity is a priority in its diplomatic service.
Jaschke thanked UNDP, UNMISS, UNESCO, the Peacebuilding Fund, and Hope Africa South Sudan for organizing the event to honor women in uniform for their contributions to security.