Rt.Hon

It was my great honour to host a Girls Takeover in my office in commemoration of the International Day of the Girl Child, held this year under the theme “Ending Child Marriage and Unions.”

A bright young lady, Miss Athiei Moses Sunday, symbolically took over my office for the day to learn about the work of the Speaker and the functioning of our Parliament. I was deeply moved as she shared her story — how she was once approached for marriage, but her father refused, choosing instead to champion her education.

Its important that we remind young women and our communities that education will mould our daughters into better people, and when the time comes, into a wiser wifes and mothers.

I commend Ms. Athiei's father and believe that we need more male advocates like her father who stand up for the rights of women and girls. Education remains one of the most transformational tools we hold in shaping the future of our nation.

The TNLA is committed to continue advocating for young women and girls, ensuring that their voices are heard, their dreams are protected, and their education is prioritized.

This afternoon, I had the privilege of meeting with representatives from various women’s groups from across our country and across different fields.

Our discussions were wide-ranging, covering critical issues affecting women, including maternal health, the rights of women and children in prisons, economic empowerment, the need for intergenerational dialogues, and the importance of addressing these issues through the lens of disability inclusion.

I reaffirmed the Parliament’s continued commitment to working hand in hand with women’s groups, and to fulfilling its mandate in considering and passing legislation that empowers women. We eagerly await the arrival of key bills in this regard, including the Family Law, the Anti-Gender Based Violence Bill, the Women Enterprise Bill, and the Women Empowerment Bill.

Beyond legislation, I am equally committed to working closely with the Executive to ensure that existing laws are fully implemented, so that women, children, and persons with disabilities across South Sudan can feel the tangible impact of the laws made in their name.

I am confident that together we can continue to build a nation where the voices of women and girls are heard, respected, and uplifted.