Africa-Press – South-Sudan. Ngok Dinka and Misseriya women have formed a Joint Women’s Committee, a significant move toward inclusive peace and security in the disputed Abyei region.
The committee was launched June 5 in Todach at the close of a joint conference facilitated by the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA), the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Concordis International.
In a statement Monday to Radio Tamazuj, UNISFA said the committee will collaborate with community leaders and existing groups to promote women’s roles in peace talks, conflict prevention and reconciliation. It will also address security concerns affecting women and advocate for their empowerment.
The panel will meet monthly, co-chaired by representatives from both communities, with seven members from each side — including delegates from the three migration corridors.
UNISFA Chief of Staff Alexander Rose praised the women for their unity and commitment to dialogue. “Your dedication to peaceful coexistence in Abyei is commendable,” he said. “When women help shape peace agreements, conflicts are less likely to reignite, and peace becomes more durable.” He reaffirmed UNISFA’s support for the initiative, in line with U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on women’s roles in peace and security.
During the three-day conference, 133 women — representing civil society, youth leaders and women’s unions — discussed key challenges. Despite Resolution 1325’s 25-year legacy, they noted minimal representation in decision-making bodies, including traditional justice systems, village committees and joint peace efforts.
They cited gender discrimination as a major obstacle and called for an end to harmful customs while demanding formal roles in all decision-making entities. Participants also urged stronger protections against sexual violence and other abuses targeting women and girls.
Peace organizations pledged ongoing support for the committee’s efforts to foster dialogue between the communities.
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