This article was last updated on May 25, 2022
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The women activists resolved at a meeting Friday that several issues faced by women be incorporated in the new constitution.
Among some of the issues include the marriageable age, which many say has not been clearly defined in the constitution.
Article 16 of the transitional constitution says: “Every person of marriageable age shall have the right to marry a person of the opposite sex and to found a family according to their family rituals or laws”.
The Executive Director of South Sudan Women’s Empowerment Network (SSWEN) Lilian Riziq said the article ought to have an additional disclaimer on the right age for marriage.
“We want to see that the constitution clearly defines the marriageable age as above 18 so that we can be able to prevent early marriages, maternal mortality rate, gender- based violence and many other inadequacies associated with girls getting married at an early age”, she said.
Another key issue the women demand included in the new constitution is the women affirmative action of the 25 percent representation, which has for a long gone unadhered to.
President, Salva Kiir has on many occasions told public he will ensure the 25 percent is increased to 30 percent.
The women also proposed for the establishment of a gender commission to monitor the implementation of the gender-related provisions of the constitution.
Similarly, they also want an amendment on the clause on equal rights between men and women.
The current transitional South Sudan’s constitution is undergoing review after the establishment of a commission to amend the constitution.
The new draft constitution is expected to be handed over to President Kiir in January next year.
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