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Sudan Legislator Says Women Seek More Democratic Reforms

   Peter Clottey 25 April 2010

   A   leading  member  of  the  womenâs  group  of   the  Rumbek  State
   legislature  in  southern  Sudan  says  there was a  large turnout of
   women during Sudanâs general elections.

   Adak  Costa  Mapuor  said  it  demonstrates  their  commitment towards
   entrenching  democratic  reforms.  She said a constitutional provision
   that   reserves  25%  of  all  political  positions  for  women  is  a
   significant boost to womenâs participation in making public policy.

   Sudan refugees.

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   âIn  a  general  sense,â  she  said,  âwomen  always  have  a  role in
   everything  to  do  with development. In (reconstruction) of the south
   Sudan,  Iâm  sure  women will play a bigger role by creating stability
   and   peace   among  the  community  because  they  are  always  peace
   ambassadors.â

   Some  womens groups complain that despite the constitutional provision
   reserving  a quarter of all government positions for women, only about
   five  percent now hold cabinet positions in the Government of Southern
   Sudan lead by President Salva Kiir.

   President  Kiir  has  often  pledged his commitment to âfullyâ empower
   women. He recently vowed to support efforts toward ensuring women make
   a meaningful contribution to national development.

   Legislator  Mapuor  said  leaders can help encourage womenâs influence
   and participation in government.

   âThis thing depends on the policies and whoever is going to rule south
   Sudan,â Mapuor said.

   At  a  2007  conference  organized  by  the United Nations Development
   Program,  the  southern  Sudanese legislator said women were adversely
   affected by the countryâs civil war and help is needed to ensure their
   fundamental rights.

   Mapuor said women need more than legal guarantees.

   âIt  depends on the nature of politics because the law is there but â¦
   to put it into implementation is another matter,â Mapuor said.

   She  said  there  is  an  ongoing  awareness and education programs to
   encourage women participation in politics.

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