More than 60 women from four counties in South Sudan’s Lakes State have concluded a two-day peace conference aimed at strengthening women’s role in conflict prevention and community resilience.
The conference, held in Rumbek under Peace Canal’s Bridges of Peace programme, was organised in collaboration with TOCH and supported by the Swiss government and the Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund.
Participants from Cueibet, Rumbek East, Rumbek Central and Rumbek North discussed conflict resolution, youth violence, cattle-related disputes, alcohol and drug abuse, and women’s participation in peacebuilding.
Nyandow Biel Makuac, a Peace Canal representative, told Radio Tamazuj on Monday that the programme sought to build trust among women and equip them to promote peace in their communities.
“Women can be very influential in our communities, and we cannot leave them behind,” Makuac said.
Ayieda Makur Mangok, a women’s representative from Cueibet County, called for greater political dialogue to address South Sudan’s conflict.
“We have decided to sit down together because we have seen people heading in the wrong direction and we want to take our homes to peace,” she said.
Mangok also cited food shortages and economic hardship among challenges facing women and families, saying meaningful peace was needed to improve living conditions.
Kuoi Majak, director general in Lakes State’s Ministry of Peacebuilding, said the government would work with the women as they returned to their communities.
The participants agreed on an action plan to promote peace and work with communities to address cattle theft, youth violence and substance abuse.
Organisers said the women would serve as peace ambassadors and conduct further awareness activities across the four counties.
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