A group of young women has voiced concerns over exclusion from the 35% Affirmative Action accusing a section of older and privileged women for monopolizing the empowerment initiative.
Young women from a group codenamed The Young Women Leading for Peace Initiative say the 35% Affirmative Action should be accorded to all women regardless of age and political status.
“We should not limit the capacity of 35 % of women’s empowerment program in political parties only.
“We have female lawyers, peace activists, accountants, and journalists roaming the streets because they are not being empowered to realize their potentials,” Marline Pitia, Deputy Coordinator for Young Women Leading Peace Initiative told the media during the donation of food and non-food items to female inmates in Juba last week.
Pitia highlighted that there is a gap between the young and the older women whenever 35% is mentioned as women at the grassroots level are also being left out of the picture.
“The old women in political parties don’t give us time and advice claiming we the young women know nothing about politics and leadership. Yes, we may be young at the age level but if we are empowered we can be leaders and solve our issues alone,” she affirmed.
“Aged women make the political zone unfavorable for young women due to the fear of losing their position and powers. We think and create activities by ourselves and whenever we call for their support, they never respond,” Pitia pointed.
The group donated Sugar, Milk, Soap, Pads, hand sanitizes among other vital items. It is the first time a young women’s organization donated to the female section at Juba Central Prison in a show an ability to shoulder responsibilities.
Arek Francis Malek, Coordinator for Young Woman Leading for Peace Initiative told The City Review during the donation that their aim was to promote peace among women.
“Our visit is a solidarity visit to the female intimates in the central prison as women promoting peace everywhere. So, that’s why we came up with this program, to have some time with them and to brief them about the implementation of the peace process in the country,” Malek said.
Atong Jok Pon, Director of the female section of prisoners expressed happiness for receiving the commodities saying it has been long since organizations and individuals donated support.
“I am very grateful with these young women coming in here providing support, indeed this food and nonfood items will help the prisoners. And this is a kind of help that we the guards could not provide for these women in the prison, all we do is to take care of them besides giving them vital things such as the pads and soap. Thanks to the young women’s leadership for the help,” she said.