By James Innocent
More than 1,000 people gathered at Yei Freedom Square in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, to commemorate International Women’s Day, with participants calling for stronger protection of women and girls and greater gender equality in the community.
The event brought together government officials, civil society organizations, development partners, traditional leaders and community members, including women groups from across Yei.
This year’s commemoration was aligned with the global theme set by the United Nations: “Rights, Justice, Action for All Women and Girls.” The theme calls for stronger legal protections, equal rights and concrete action to eliminate discrimination and violence against women worldwide. According to the UN, women globally still hold only about 64 percent of the legal rights enjoyed by men, highlighting the need for continued advocacy and reform.
Speaking during the celebration, women representative Emmanuela Sunday expressed appreciation for the recognition of the day and emphasized the importance of empowering women in society.
“We are grateful for the recognition of International Women’s Day and the strong message it carries for our community,” she said, adding that empowering women benefits families and the broader society.
Another women’s leader, Alice Siama, called for stronger protection for women and children in Yei River County, urging authorities and communities to work together to address gender-based violence.
During the event, the Paramount Chief of Yei River County, Joseph Brown Lomose, appealed to men around the world to respect the rights and dignity of women.
“Women and men have equal rights in society and must be respected,” he said, while applauding development partners and the county’s gender department for organizing an inclusive celebration.
The chief also raised concern about increasing cases of gender-based violence in the area, including rape and killings of women, which he said are sometimes linked to alcohol abuse.
He further advised schoolgirls to avoid early pregnancy and abortion, encouraging them instead to focus on education to secure a better future.
Religious leader Father Simon urged both men and women to unite and promote equality, stressing that lasting peace in South Sudan depends on mutual respect and cooperation.
“If our communities continue to work together and respect one another, lasting peace will prevail,” he said.
Lomoro Frank, an official working with the World University Service of Canada, described the day as important for promoting equality and recognizing the contributions of women.
“Women are capable of doing many of the things men do, and their participation is essential for community development,” he said.
Frank added that their organization is implementing programs aimed at supporting adolescent girls, particularly those in primary school, to remain in education and gain skills that can lead to dignified employment.
The programs also focus on addressing gender-based violence and training teachers on child protection.
The initiative is currently operating in several areas including Magwi County in Eastern Equatoria State, as well as Kajo‑Keji County and Yei River County.
Gender Inspector Azania Amude of the county’s Department of Gender, Child and Social Welfare applauded development partners for their support in organizing the celebrations.
She noted that the event serves as an opportunity to raise awareness about women’s rights and to strengthen community efforts to protect women and girls.
International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8 to celebrate the achievements of women and to promote gender equality and women’s rights across the world.