UNDP Celebrates the International Women’s Day

March 8, 2023

Sam Doe – RR, Titus Osundina – DRR celebrates International Women’s Day with UNDP Staff and Guests

UNDP/Sarah Sibrino

On March 8, 2023, UNDP South Sudan joined the rest of the world in commemorating the International Women’s Day through a panel discussion on the role of Technology in the promotion of gender equality under the national theme: “Promote Gender Equality through Innovative Technology towards a better South Sudan”.

The event was attended physically and online by 40 Youth, women and men from different sectors including the Civil Society, University students, National Bureau of Standards, Legal fraternity, Government Officials, Doctors, and UNDP staff.

In a message of solidarity, UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Samuel Doe stated that, “International women’s day serves as an excellent opportunity to celebrate the resilience and achievement of women and girls across all walks of life, in all corners of the world, and to spotlight that gender equality is a human rights issue, since many women worldwide still suffer because of their gender”. Read More

Professor Julia Duany, the Undersecretary for the Ministry of Labor and Sam Doe RR UNDP South Suan

UNDP/Amos Agiro

The three South Sudanese panelists who shared their personal experiences are: Ms. Nyajuok Tongyik, a retired Army Nurse, author of the book ‘I am my mother’s wildest dream’, Hon. Rachel Amor, a former state Minister of Gender, child and socials welfare, and a current Special skills expert at UNDP and Ms. Yine Yenki, the Co-founder of Go-Girls ICT initiative.

Moderating the session, Professor Julia Duany, the Undersecretary for the Ministry of Labor could not hide her excitement to host the panel discussion of young and experienced women whom she had mentored in one way or another. “These are my daughters, and I am very proud of them, it is not easy for us women in South Sudan.” She said.

“I chose to study IT and with the support of my female friends graduated. As Women, we should raise each other up none will fall or be alone.” Hon. Rachel Amour a Former Minister of Gender, Child and Social welfare and a former Minster of Health in Jonglei who is currently engaged with UNDP as a Special Skills Expert.

“What keeps me motivated are the reports from teachers of the young girls I mentored being proactive, interested in science subjects, identifying problems, and finding solutions.” Ms. Yine Yenki, the Co-founder of Go girls ICT initiative.

“I chose to share my story with the world so young girls do not experience what I did as a child forced into an arranged marriage.” The use of technology helped me to share my experience and influence others. Ms. Nyajuok Tongyiek, an international author of the Book, I am my mother’s wildest dream.

Participants during discussions at the International Women's Day

UNDP/Sarah Sibrino

The participants were inspired and some were moved to tears from the pain and struggles experienced by the panelists. It was also encouraging to learn how the women persevered and found solutions that benefitted the whole community. During the session, the participants also took time to discuss issues culture such as arranged child marriages.

The participants also had the opportunity to openly discuss their experiences with technology highlighting its importance and dangers to South Sudanese women. These were the messages that echoed in the room.

Technology such as internet needs to become more accessible and affordable to people living in all parts of the country specially the youth.
Make men partners and allies by encouraging male champions on gender equality and providing them with support in their work.
Use technology to serve and support each other instead of Cyberbullying!
There is a need for policies that protect women and girls from cyber crimes and related aspects.
Use technology to share stories that educate and guide the younger generations.