UN Women Hosts “Through Our Eyes” Capturing South Sudan’s Women’s Role in Peacebuilding

By Denilson Deneki

Juba – In a powerful display of resilience and determination, UN Women South Sudan hosted a two-day photo exhibition titled “Through Our Eyes: The Women’s Journey of Peacebuilding, Leadership, and Participation in South Sudan.” The event took place at the Pyramid Hotel in Juba to commemorate International Women’s Day under the theme “Invest in Women to Accelerate Progress.”

Supported by the Peace Building Fund and the Government of Norway, the exhibition showcased 100 captivating images capturing South Sudan’s political participation and peacebuilding journey from 2010 to 2024.

The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders including UNWOMEN Deputy Country Representative, H.E Ambassador of Norway, Honorable Ministers of Peacebuilding and Parliamentarian Affairs, as well as representatives from the British Embassy, UNDP, media, young people, and members of civil society.

The exhibition highlighted the transformative power of art in advocating for meaningful participation of women, youth, and other marginalized groups in the country’s peace and development efforts. Panel discussions focused on building peace and women’s participation in South Sudan, as well as the contribution of young people to the journey of peace.

UN Women collaborated closely with various institutions, including the UN system, media outlets, and civil society organizations, to curate the exhibition. This collaborative approach ensured a wide range of voices and perspectives were represented while adhering to best practices on consent and ethical considerations.

Speaking at the event, UNWOMEN Deputy Country Representative Ms. Rukaya Mohammed emphasized the importance of reflecting on the progress made in peacebuilding over the last decade and developing strategies for sustaining peace and promoting political participation in South Sudan.

H.E Ambassador Ms. Linken Nymann Berryman highlighted Norway’s commitment to Women’s, Peace and Security in South Sudan and the critical role women play in conflict prevention, management, and reconstruction. Honorable Minister of Peacebuilding South Sudan, Mr. Stephen Par, stressed the need for pushing for the political leadership of women in order to empower them.