The Warrap State Legislative Assembly has ordered lawmakers to return from recess for final deliberations on a long-awaited girl-child education bill, a parliamentary official said Tuesday.
Makuei Puot Makuei, chairperson of the assembly’s Information and Communication Committee, told Radio Tamazuj that all lawmakers have been recalled to report back on Dec. 29 to debate and pass the proposed policy.
“The assembly is currently on recess, but members are urgently recalled to deliberate and pass the girl-child education policy,” Puot said. He added that the bill is expected to be tabled by the state minister of general education and instruction.
Puot said the bill has already been approved by the Warrap State Council of Ministers and now requires endorsement by the legislative assembly.
However, some lawmakers questioned the recall process.
Lual Ater, a legislator representing the Awan community, said the recall was unofficial and lacked proper procedure.
“We are required to return, but there is no formal communication,” Ater said. “Normally, the speaker or the clerk should issue an official letter inviting members back after recess.”
Another lawmaker from Tonj South County said he and several colleagues would not attend the sitting, citing a lack of financial support for travel and accommodation. He said lawmakers from Tonj East, Tonj North and those currently outside the state face similar challenges.
“There will be many difficulties for members to attend, especially those coming from distant counties,” he said.
Civil society groups welcomed the move.
Bona Malual, chairperson of the Warrap State Civil Society Network, told Radio Tamazuj that the policy is a long-awaited step toward community empowerment.
“This is an important development, and civil society organizations fully welcome the passing of the girl-child education policy,” Malual said.
Girls’ education in Warrap State has been severely affected by poverty, early marriage, traditional cultural norms that prioritize boys’ schooling, cattle-related conflict and displacement, with low enrolment and high dropout rates compared with boys, according to reports.