South Sudan's Deputy Governor: 'No True Peace Without Economic Security, Women'

• The BWERSP project aims to strengthen women's economic empowerment and participation in peacebuilding initiatives in Eastern Equatoria.
• The project focuses on improving women's access to land and productive resources, as well as their participation in decision-making processes.
• The launch of the project marks an important milestone in efforts to promote women's empowerment, social cohesion, and sustainable peace across the region.
• The BWERSP project is closely tied to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda and its four pillars – participation, protection, prevention, and recovery.
• The project has the potential to transform women's roles in Eastern Equatoria's economic and peacebuilding efforts.

Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women.

The launch of the BWERSP project in Eastern Equatoria marks an important milestone in efforts to promote women's economic empowerment and participation in peacebuilding initiatives. This regional initiative aims to address structural barriers affecting women, particularly in accessing land and productive resources. By improving women's access to economic opportunities and decision-making processes, the project seeks to contribute to more resilient and prosperous communities. The project's focus on inclusive economic development and peacebuilding is crucial for achieving sustainable peace in South Sudan. As Deputy Governor Karlo Andrew Akwo emphasized, 'There is no true peace without economic security, as well as no strong economy without women.' The BWERSP project has the potential to transform women's roles in Eastern Equatoria's economic and peacebuilding efforts, making it an important opportunity for the state.

The BWERSP project is being implemented under the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), with support from the African Development Bank and the governments of South Sudan and Eastern Equatoria. This regional initiative is closely tied to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda, which includes UN Security Council Resolution 1325. The agenda's four pillars – participation, protection, prevention, and recovery – are reflected in the BWERSP project. As Undersecretary Adeng Andrew Malual Leek noted, 'This project directly responds to our ministry's mandate of promoting gender equality, social inclusion, and the rights of women and vulnerable groups.' The project's focus on addressing structural barriers affecting women is also aligned with the Women Peace and Security Agenda.

The BWERSP project was launched in Torit, the capital of South Sudan's Eastern Equatoria State. The launch brought together government officials, IGAD representatives, development partners, civil society organizations, local leaders, and women representatives from Eastern Equatoria. Speaking at the launch, Victoria Anib, IGAD's Head of Mission in South Sudan, emphasized that 'Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women.' She also highlighted the importance of viewing women as peacebuilders, entrepreneurs, community leaders, and drivers of economic transformation. The launch marked an important milestone in efforts to promote women's empowerment, social cohesion, and sustainable peace across the region.

Lawyers advising clients on business or land transactions in South Sudan should watch for the potential impact of the BWERSP project on women's access to economic opportunities and productive resources, particularly land.

Source: Original reporting via Women's Economic Resilience Project