South Sudan Security Sector Women’s Network Marks Second Anniversary and Launches PBF Project to Empower Women in Uniform
By Denilson Denike
Juba, July 27, 2024 – The South Sudan Security Sector Women’s Network (SSSWN) celebrated a significant milestone as it commemorated its second anniversary with the launch of a new project aimed at advancing women’s participation and leadership in the security sector. Established in 2022 with support from the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) administered by key UN entities, SSSWN has been pivotal in championing gender equality and empowering women within the security field.
The commemorative event, held at the Nyakuron Cultural Center on July 27, 2024, brought together women in uniform from various South Sudan security sector institutions and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) for a joint march and special gathering under the theme “Women in Uniform Day: Building a Network, Advancing Peace in South Sudan.”
High-profile attendees at the event included Rt. Hon. Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly; Hon. Angelina Teny, Minister for Interior; Ms. Kiki Gbeho, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator, and Humanitarian Coordinator; Amb. Sitouna Abdallah Dau, Former Head of Mission of South Sudan to Germany; Christine Fossen, UN Police Commissioner; Dr. Rukaya Mohammed, Deputy Country Representative of UN Women, as well as members of the Diplomatic Corps and Heads of UN Agencies.
Reflecting on the occasion, Hon. Regina Asso Lullo, Acting Undersecretary of the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, emphasized the importance of recognizing and promoting women’s contributions in the security sector, stressing the need for collective efforts to achieve gender parity and inclusivity.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, DSRSG/HC/RC, highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the UN and South Sudan in promoting peace and development, underscoring the critical role of women in the security realm and announcing the launch of the second phase of the Peacebuilding Fund project focusing on gender and Security Sector Reform (SSR).
Hon. Angelina Teny, Minister of Interior, emphasized the necessity of commitment and political will for transformative change within the security sector, particularly in fostering gender inclusion and enabling women to play active roles in peacekeeping missions.
Rt. Hon. Nunu Kumba, Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly, called for affirmative action to address the gender gap in security sector leadership positions, advocating for women’s increased representation in decision-making processes and their active involvement in shaping the sector’s future.
Hon. Pia Philip, Undersecretary of the Ministry for Peacebuilding, underscored the close linkage between women’s empowerment, peace, and security, applauding the remarkable achievements of women in uniform and acknowledging the integral role of the PBF fund in enhancing the security sector’s capabilities.
As the South Sudan Security Sector Women’s Network embarks on its third year of operation and the implementation of the new PBF project, the commitment to advancing women in uniform remains steadfast, signaling a promising future for gender equality and inclusive leadership within the country’s security apparatus.
