UN Women and UNESCO have launched a three-year initiative to increase women’s participation in peacebuilding, leadership and community decision-making in Western Equatoria and Western Bahr el Ghazal states.
According to a statement shared with Radio Tamazuj on Thursday, the initiative, supported by the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund with complementary financing from the African Development Bank, will focus on strengthening women’s leadership, economic resilience and participation in peacebuilding processes.
“When women and youth lead, communities grow stronger, trust deepens, and peace becomes more sustainable,” UN Women South Sudan Country Representative Delphine Serumaga said.
The project will directly reach about 2,100 beneficiaries from the two states, including 1,680 women and 1,050 young women aged between 18 and 35.
In Western Bahr el Ghazal, activities will be implemented in Wau and Jur River counties, supporting women to strengthen their livelihoods, develop leadership skills, and participate in community peacebuilding, governance, and decision-making processes.
The initiative will link economic empowerment with peacebuilding through support for women’s livelihoods and economic initiatives, leadership development, community dialogues, peacebuilding platforms, and mechanisms for women’s participation in decision-making and conflict resolution.
The project responds to conflict-related challenges affecting Western Bahr el Ghazal and Western Equatoria, including localised conflicts, land and resource disputes, economic hardship, weak governance, and the exclusion of women and girls from decision-making.
“Women play a critical role in building and sustaining peace. Ensuring their meaningful participation in peacebuilding initiatives strengthens social cohesion and lays the foundation for lasting peace in our communities,” UNMISS Wau Field Office Head Anastasie Nyirigira Mukangarambe said.
The initiative will also involve government institutions, women’s organisations, civil society groups, traditional and community leaders and other stakeholders to strengthen inclusive and gender-responsive peacebuilding mechanisms.
Western Equatoria State Minister for Gender, Child and Social Welfare Mary Karlino Madut urged communities to promote peaceful coexistence.
“Peace begins with each one of us. Wherever you gather, whether in your homes, communities, or counties, be ambassadors of peace and share messages that promote unity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence,” she said.
For her part, Peacebuilding Minister Monica Louis Mawien called for collective efforts to strengthen peacebuilding across Western Bahr el Ghazal.
“Achieving lasting peace requires cooperation, trust, and collective action. Let us work together, support one another, and strengthen our commitment to peacebuilding efforts across Western Bahr el Ghazal,” she said.
The project will also engage men and boys as partners in promoting positive gender norms and more inclusive approaches to peacebuilding.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Ali Goni, State Minister for Culture, Youth and Sports, said young people have a responsibility to help prevent violence.
“Many of the conflicts we witness today involve young people,” he said. “As youth, we have a responsibility to reject violence, embrace dialogue, and become champions of peace.”
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