Basic Data:
| Date | 25th of Jan 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Author | Linda Ferdinand Hussein | ||||||||||||||||||
| Project/ Programmatic Cooperation |
UNSCR 1325 in South Sudan- Western Bahr el Ghazal State Wau | ||||||||||||||||||
| Organization | Women Training and Promotion (WOTAP) | ||||||||||||||||||
| Country of implementation | South Sudan | ||||||||||||||||||
| Project Nr. | 75-03-13-010 | ||||||||||||||||||
| Period covered | 1stJanuary- 31st December 2015 | ||||||||||||||||||
| 1 Context of the project or program | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1.1 The important changes and challenges in the context ( political and socio-economic) of the project during implementation periods, comments and the implications:
The civil war which erupted in Juba in mid December 2013 and emergence of rebellion forces of SPLA-IO resulted in a new situation whereby youth of Wau County who felt they are being intimidated by the government and those who are already in exile to decide to join the rebellion. Many other fled from Wau County and other parts of South Sudan also joined the rebellion. Despite the fact that, the impact of war on vulnerable population was worse in Upper Nile than it is in any other State; still there are many citizens in Western Bahr el Ghazal who have suffered from the events that have occurred. There is no though that women and children, have been suffered grave violations of their human rights such as (sexual violence, rape, kidnapping, domestic violence–etc). Under very trying circumstances, the UN Mission, agencies and other NGOs notably ICRC have preformed to the best of their abilities to mitigate abuses against civilians. Currently, UN mission protects and accommodates high number to Internally Displaced People (IDPs) on Protection of Civilian Sites on UN bases.
Now, the compromised IGAD plus Agreement on South Sudan was signed by the two parties of the civil war and all other stakeholders but both parties continue to violate the term of the agreement and have committed atrocious and indescribable abuses against civilians however, the peace agreement is received with mixed feelings and the citizens are skeptical when nearly all hope was gone the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Committee (JMEC) arrived and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in the Opposition (SPLM/IO) began to arrive as well. However, the ongoing activities and political progresses are envisaged to lay the foundation for lasting peace, in order for the prospects of South Sudan to be finalized.
On 2nd October 2015, President Salva Kiir Maryadit issues a decree 36/2015 for the creation of 28 States followed by the appointment of the 28 governors on 24th December 2015, this processes is received again with a great shocks from the partners and the stakeholder to the agreement and is considered as direct violation of the agreement.
On December 19th, 2015 the National Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning and Central Bank of South Sudan devaluated South Sudan Pound (SSP) rate from 2.96 to 17.5 values leaving the ordinary citizens to take the cost wondering if the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) will eventually improve the economic situation in the South Sudan. Once South Sudan is stable again, the economy will definitely improve.
At this moment the situation in Wau County is tense. The relationships between the community and government institutions’ and security service are not good. There is open violence like in other parts of the country- massive arrest of youth, intellectuals and politicians, intimidation of Civil Societies Organizations, rape of women and girls, looting of people properties, night robberies, burning of houses, random shooting and killing of innocent civilians and the most serious among others was the murdered of the paramount chief of Wau Angelo Bagari in June and John Mafhoum chief of Bussere Payam in December 2015. The worsen situation is that recently, on November28, 2015 14 members of Civil Society Organization arrested based on the back ground of the petition submitted to the Mayor of Wau Municipality on the behaviours of some individual Military forces deployed in Bagari Jadeed, however, I was about to be arrested but fortunately, enough I was in Torit for the Exchange visit. From that day up to 15th December 2015 the Mayor was trying eagerly to find where I am when he failed he decided to shutdown WOTAP till I report back to Wau.
Women group notably, members of parliament and civil societies have come together to respond to ongoing crisis beyond political party of ethnic group divisions, several forums have been created at all level ) woman moved and worked very hard until their participation, ideas and contributions are recognized in South Sudan peace talks they are pushing ahead to take strong role in the implementation of the peace agreement as well as representing and participating in decision making at various government level.
In 2015 Government of South Sudan ratifies the Convention of Elimination of Any form of violence Against Women (CEDAW) which creates a positive environment for the protection of women rights in South Sudan. Meanwhile, Ministry of Gender in collaboration with partners are involving in women rights and continue celebrating- commemorating International Woman’s Day and 16 Days Activism on Violence against Women with focusing on creating awareness of the grass-root women on women rights and peace, and advocating for peace, just and peaceful South Sudan women want. In 2014, we began a new partnership with UNMISS Sector II which sought to build the capacity of our participants to effectively champion the gender equality agenda in their respective offices, organizations and constituencies. The contribution of UNMISS related to facilitation of gender, Gender-Based Violence and Human Rights trainings including provision of materials. Our line Ministry of Gender and Social Development support the implementation of UNSCR 1325 to stood in solidarity with WOTAP and the participants in their calls for peace and security and a more robust inclusion of women in peace process.. In the year 2015, people in Western Bahr el Ghazal witnessed the appointment of two women in top leadership position (Minster and Director General) for first time. This marked an important history for women participation in decision making at the State level. All these initiatives are contributing positively, to promotion of enabling environment for UNSCR 1325 activities on the ground. On November6, 2015 VFC mobilized and involved other partners and women’s organization including UNSCR 1325 project partners to review and reflect on the UNSCR 1325 commitments in view of the 15 years commemoration. Commonly described as the most progressive agenda for advancing women’s rights, the UNSCR 1325 attests to a world that is possible where each women and girl can exercise her freedoms and choices and realize all her rights, such as to live free from violence, to go to school, to participate in decision and to earn equal pay for equal work. Partners commemorating UNSCR 1325 15 years in Juab/ Hotel Juba Grant
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| 2 Progress Monitoring Protocol | |||||||||||||||||||
| All activities planned in the project work plan in addition to extra relevant activities were successfully carried out during the project implementation period and the activities implemented included:
Major activities: 1. Training of Potential & Existing Women Leaders in Knowledge & Skills 2. Training of Trainers on leadership, advocacy and lobby at Payam and Boma level 3. Awareness Raising, Lobby & Advocacy & Dialogue Forums.
Achievements:
· 30 females and 6 males selected as direct project beneficiaries. · 38 (30 females and 8 males) trained on Advocacy and lobby skill. · 30 (15 males and 15 females) attended ToT on UNSCR 1325 at Payam level. · 43 (9 males and 34 females) attendd pilot training on UNSCR 1325. · Data collection on women leaders in Western Bahr el Ghazal partially collected. · 4 mentoring and coaching sessions conducted for UNSCR 1325 group. · 13 Radio programme (PSA and live programs) on UNSCR 1325, Gender related issues conducted. · 8 awareness raising sessions and dialogues on gender related activities in Wau and Jur River Counties conducted. · One (1) exchange visit for women leaders to Wau (4 M and 30 F) conducted. · 36 profile developed and tools (A& B) for 36 participants filled. · 1 general poster produced on UNSCR 1325 participants in Western Bahr el Ghazal designed. · 4 staff participated in Advocacy training workshop. · UNSCR 1325 platform at the State level formed. · Formation of UNSCR 1325 partner’s network. · Monitoring; and evaluation on the project conducted.
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| 3.What went well and what didn’t | |||||||||||||||||||
| What went very well:
1. Throughout the project implementation period, WOTAP ensured women, girls and other stakeholders in the State are able to meaningfully engage in and influence processes of UNSCR 1325 at all level. We educated and disseminated our topics and messages on gender, Gender Based Violence (GBV), women rights, women participation in decision making, important facts on girl’s education and role of women in peace and security, involved audience and listeners in the discussion through workshops, trainings, seminar and live Radio programs. Radio program on UNSCR 1325 awareness 2. The project was also impactful in that even with time; participants were committed and interested in UNSCR 1325 by sharing and extending UNSCR 1325 knowledge to other women and their demand for the continuity of the project. The most contributing factor to this was advocacy and lobby trainings conducted by CEPO and PAX, mentoring and coaching provided for the empowerment of these participants. On the other, timely disbursement of the project fund, capacity building of staff, join monitoring and evaluation of the project implementation these factors help enough in smooth successful implementation of the project. Group of Executive (Participants) facilitating GBV dialogue Analysis of a case that turned out to be less successful or even a failure:
|
|||||||||||||||||||
| 4 Lessons learned | |||||||||||||||||||
| · Increasingly, we are seeing instability in the country brought about civil war. This has led to increase discrimination and act of violence perpetrated against women and girls such as various attacks in Besselia, Bagari and Bazia areas. Kidnapping , killings of women and children, arrests and touring of human rights defenders notably, ( Journalists and CSOs) and formulation of laws that undermine the human rights of women and girls across the country. WOTAP continues to join efforts with other stakeholders to demand State Government and other stakeholders to prioritize sustained human security and safety guided by human rights and gender equality principles.
· We are also witnessing shrinking spaces for Civil Society engagement and operation with laws that limit CSO access to financial resources, limiting the issues CSOs can work on including rights and advocacy, deregistration of NGOs with accusations of rebellion activities without evidence. WOTAP continues to collaborate with other CSOs to advocate for increased space of civil society. · Externally, we are also seeing the emergence of funded organizations and individuals working to counter progressive human rights frameworks. At the recently concluded Ministry of Gender and Social Development on National Action Plan on UNSCR 1325, ratification of CEDAW by South Sudan Government all these moves might push women agenda to better situation.
· Locally, we are observing a good number of NGOs and UNMISS Sector II involving in awareness creation on UNSCR 1325, Ministry of Gender and Social Development providing moral support to WOTAP UNSCR 1325 project. It is clear that all these have greatly, has contributed positively to the success of UNSCR 1325 project in Western Bahr el Ghazal. UNMISS HR Officer facilitating human Rights session · Increasingly, we are witnessing a good number of people (women and men) in Western Bahr el Ghazal are getting familiar with the concept and the importance of UNSCR 1325 in the daily life this is mainly achieved either through Radio program or rallies and campaigns in different government institutions. We are experienced our direct participants giving more awareness to the grass root communities in their respective locations on Human Rights, gender issues; gender Based Violence (GBV), girl’s education and women rights. |
|||||||||||||||||||
| 5 Organizational capacity development | |||||||||||||||||||
| · The project contribution to capacity development of WOTAP organization, systems, strategies, personnel:
In 2012, we continued to work with our partners to do what we have done for the past 17 years- educate, mobilize, participate and advocate so as ensuring meaningful engagement and influence practices, policies and processes that affected the lives of South Sudanese communities in general and women and girls in particular . 2013 was significant for us at WOTAP in many ways. It marked the start of our 5- years Strategic Plan (2013-2017). It has been a marathon, impact and full of rich leanings in sense that, the year kicked off with exciting and partnership such as UNSCR 1325 project in South Sudan/ Western Bahr el Ghazal that resulted in strategic objectives: 1. Enhanced capacity of potential and existing women leaders to effectively participate in the political decision making processes as well as in the security sector, with a focus at the state level.
WOTAP with support from ICCO and partnership with CEPO, EWA, NSWF and VFC, benefits enough form implementation of UNSCR 1325 in South Sudan as well as the strategic objective: enhanced capacity of local organization to provide effective support to potential and existing women leaders. The compenent of the project activities put in place and the philosophy have significantly improved the capacity of WOTAP as organization and specially, the staff under the project through many trainings they attended such as, leadership, Monitoring and evaluation, accounting and financial management, advocacy and lobby, participation in periodical review meetings, interaction with partners, sharing and learning form each other’s experiences. All these factors positively, upgraded WOTAP to be the best and the most accountable and transparent organization among other partners. In WOTAP we believe that it is possible and important to realize these changes and keep on and build critical partnership with line institutions, organizations, and individuals, allies across different sectors and levels as well as Donors.
· What needs to be done in the area of capacity building in order to improve our effectiveness: Through monthly staff and management meetings as well as half and end year retreats, staff review progress made towards implementation of the strategic plan and annual work plan. WOTAP believes that there is need to improve communication system in term of, advocacy and lobbing, proposal and report writings as well as monitoring and evaluation system to the programme staff, refresher training of quick books and safe guarding and security of the organization. |
|||||||||||||||||||
| 6 Gender and the Rights Based Approach | |||||||||||||||||||
| · Gender mainstreaming in UNSCR 1325 project have been observed through the engagement, involvement and participation of women and men in the project activities at all level- State, Payam and Boma ( promotion of equal and effective involvement and participation of men and women in action plan and implementation of the program , identification of locations, venue, methodology, recommendation and local affairs. This is very critical in order to promote enabling environment to support sustainability of UNSCR 1325 activities in the State.
Chief Uling Akuar parsing UNSCR 1325 program / dialogue in Mapel.
WOTAP’s role in creating this change is catalytic through sustained action to simultaneously address practical gender needs and strategic interests in Western Bahr el Ghazal using the women’s movement and partnership with men as the primary anchors. WOTAP mobilizes and encourages women and men to participate and influence development by remaining connected and informed so as to undertake collective actions and advocacy on matters of common interest as well as peace and security.
Angelo writing his opinion on women rights – dialogue on CEDAW/ Wau |
|||||||||||||||||||
Success story Section II:
- Success story title:
| ASUNTA NICOLA newly appointed member of National Assembly:
My name is Asunta Nicola Dimo from Western Bahr el Ghazal Wau State; I thank WOTAP Very much for their Network of UNSCR 1325 Project. Before UNSCR 1325 I was not so much organized as I could do things but not knowing what I was doing so clearly as a leader in front of others. After Undergoing so many trainings and Workshops, I learnt how to be serious, organized and how to implement my work as a leader. I am a Teacher by profession and a politician.UNSCR1325 had helped me to get a job at Catholic University position of Librarian as a graduate of Library. I enjoyed my work at Catholic University because I never had any problem with the Students as I chose non- Violence way, I instate became friend with the Students. I went as far as sharing with them UNSCR1325 And they seem to be very interested in it, I planned to organize them in one place and ask WOTAP to come and elaborate more on UNSCR1325 but fortunately I was selected by the IO at the National Legislative Assembly and I left for Juba. This is through UNSCR1325 Knowledge, ability seen in me, as we were three (3) competing yet I wasn’t in the bush nor in communication with the rebels. THANKS TO WOATP and UNSCR1325.
Asan Juma As UNSCR 1325 project beneficiary I got so many skills and knowledge from the project. I was working with Minstry of Agriculture as the private secreray of the Minister, when I got the skill from the project and moved to work with CEPO as Finance Assistant and later given the task of Gender Officer, through this project, I managed to be UNESCO Ambassdor for young girls in the State. Generally, I am now working as Finance Assistant and Gender Officer with CEPO. Thanks to UNSCR 1325 project that have made my life changed.
2. Mary Daniel Ismael: I work for Wildlife Wau before jioning UNSCR projec 1325 with rank of subject at recent promoted to rank of Secong Leftenen. I am happy for jioning UNSCR 1325 project, it had given me many things that I was not having. My situation now has changed from the one before, I can now write and speak english, now I am deciding and fluencing decesion on issues affecting women in my department. Beside I have introduced Alternative school of two classes in one year in my deprtment of Wildlife with two levels for women literacy. Now with full confiedence I am able to defend my rights and rights of other fellow women. My message to my fellow colleaques in the arm forces is that let them get back to lerning. because knowledge is power. UNSCR 1325 should continue to support others who are not aware of their rights. |
- Problem Overview:
| South Sudan gained its Independence from the Sudan in 2011 after over 22 years civil war which left over two million people dead from different causes ranging from bullets, sicknesses, torture, rape and all other forms of violence. Women, children, elderly and people with disability Suffered the most during this conflict. Women suffered all forms of discriminations, violence from the armed forces, relatives and very little education, employment and equality existed for women during the struggles for liberation from oppression and marginalization of South Sudanese by the Khartoum government. Women had little or no voices in all political decision making processes in the Country. However, after the signing of Comprehensive Agreement between the Sudan and South Sudan in 2005, the interim Constitution of the then Southern Sudan provided for a quota system for affirmative action of 25% for inclusion of women in all Government jobs and processes. That was also carried into the South Sudan Constitution and reflected in most of the government policy documents. At least this gave some political will and enabling environment for lobby and advocacy for effective women participation at all levels of governance.
At the national level, the government scored very higher in employment of women in several of offices including the presidency, judiciary, legislature and the ministerial jobs as well as in most directorates. At the state level the 25% quota were hardly achieved except Western Equatoria State where the state governor was a lady and two County Commissioners were ladies out of ten. So based on these, ICCO and partners decided to design this program to work at the state and County levels to develop quality women leaders and promote the serving women leaders as well as enabling environment for active participation in political decision making processes as well as in the security sector. In order to strengthen capacity of potential women, build confidence, and work with men to create more opportunities for women at those lower levels and implement the provided 25% quota provisions in South Sudan Constitution. |
- Program/Activity Description:
| This proposal was designed as a result of an inspiring process of cooperation between Dutch and South Sudanese organizations. The proposal was written while the future of South Sudan was both promising and worrisome in late 2012. The country gained independence one year back before this project and was struggling to become a democratic nation, while still being hampered by an oil conflict, high rates of illiteracy, lack of experience in building democracy and a population that has been affected by conflict for many decades. At the same time the new country filled people with energy and hope. People, women and men wanted to stand together and work for the future of their country and their children. The atmosphere of energy and hope Voice for Change, IKV Pax Christi and ICCO & Kerk in Actie consulted 10 South Sudanese Effective Women’s Participation in Political Decision Making Processes as well as in the Security Sector in South Sudan organizations to generate the core content of this proposal and to have ownership of the program by the local (women) organizations, after which Voice for Change, ICCO & Kerk in Actie and IKV Pax Christi further elaborated the draft activity framework and budgeted for this
Program. The result was a joint program proposal focused on participation of women in political decision making processes and in the security sector, with a focus at the state level. This program has an overall objective: Effective women participation and female leadership in political decision making processes as well as in the security sector at the state level in 4 states of South Sudan, with inter-linkages to the local levelsof boma, payam and county and to the national level, in an enabling environment The program focuses on the following 4 states: Jonglei, Western Bahr El Ghazal, Western and Eastern Equatoria. The coordination committee ofthe program is formed by Voice for Change, IKV Pax Christi and ICCO & Kerk in Actie. In addition to these organizations, the program involved 5 local partner organizations, which include local women organizations.
Result of the strategic objectives: The expected outcomes of the program are as follows: 1. Potential women leaders have started to participate in political decision making processes and the security sector, with a focus at state level. 2. Existing women leaders are actively participating in the political decision making processes as well as in the security sector, with a focus at the state level. 3. Increased capacity of the civil society in South Sudan, with a focus on the 4 selected states, to provide effective support to potential and existing women to take up leadership roles in in the political decision making processes as well as in the security sector. 4. International and national gender frameworks adopted, used and respected by authorities, religious, traditional and opinion leaders. 5. Authorities, religious, traditional and opinion leaders are more aware of the importance of participation of women in political decision making processes and the security sector and are more supportive of potential and existing women leaders. 6. Potential and existing women leaders at state level, with inter linkages to the local levels and the national level know how to find each other and use each other to reach joint goals. 7. Increased accountability by women leaders towards the women they represent. 1. Trainings on UNSCR 1325 and leadership at State and Payam levels: 1.1:Training of Trainers on UNSCR 132 advocacy and lobby: The training conduced in March 2014 was Training of Trainers (ToT) on UNSCR 1325 advocacy and lobby for four (4) days, targeting (30) potential and existing women leaders in Jur River and Wau Counties Western Bahr el Ghazal State. The training was targeting 30 potential and existing women leaders from Civil Societies Organizations (CSOs), government institutions, security sectors, and Faith-Based organizations and facilitated by CEPO. The training topics covered the following : Definition of UNSCR 1325, indicators Vs National/ States Gender Policy and Strategic Plans , localization of UNSCR 1325 Action Plan, concepts of UNSCR 1325 advocacy and lobbing, facilitation skills a Community action plan on UNSCR 1325 advocacy and lobby in Western Bahr el Ghazal State per institutions. The training recommendation as following: o CEPO in collaboration with WOTAP to keep up and continue with the journey of women empowerment in Western Bahr el Ghazal State. o Director of Gender/WBGS to provide the group with UNSCR 1325 State Action Plan. Table (1) Training of Training (ToT) on advocacy and lobby:
1.2:Training of Trainers on UNSCR 1325 at Payam Level: The second training on UNSCR 1325 was conducted in September 2014 targeting (30) participants of different positions (10 chiefs, 2 Executives Director, 4 Payam Administrator, males and females from Payam level. The training duration was (4) days. Drawings reflecting gender concept- UNSCR 1325 training at Payam level
Chief Suzana reflecting on her experience at Jebe-Khier court during ToT at Payam level Table (2) UNSCR 1325 training at Payam level
2. Pilot training on UNSCR 1325- manual testing: In May 2014, four (4) days pilot training for the implementing partners including Western Bahr el Ghazal participants, the training was arranged by WOTAP to be facilitated by Voice For Change (VFC) organization. The training was purposely to test Women Leadership training Manual and the approval of its use by the partners. Unfortunately, Voice for Change (VFC) Organization declined from the training but the partners decided to continue, and it shifted from pilot to leadership on UNSCR 1325 related subjects/ issues. The training covered the following subjects: Human Rights, leadership, power and management, Gender Based Violence and corruption. The training continued for four (4) days in the conducive environment without any negative observation, the training attended by 43 participants ( partners representatives and formal participants), the moral of the partners was normal and the participation both partners and the targeted participants was also very high. Table (3): UNSCR 1325 and leadership training:
On the other hands, WOTAP staff and participants have been participated in pilot trainings for Manual testing organized by EWA, NSWF and SSLS in Yambio, Bor and Torit respectively, facilitated by VFC. The trainings duration was 3 days at each location. Muzama facilitating gender session during manual testing in Yambio Table 4: Pilot training (leadership) by WOTAP:
3. Awareness rising program on UNSCR 1325 and gender related issues: During the project implementation period, thirteen (13) radio program, three (3) Public Service Announcement (PSA) recorded program and three (10) live talk shows have been done through Voice of Hope (VoH) Catholic Radio and South Sudan/ Wau Radio targeting Wau community, the estimated people who benefit from the program is above 6,000 people from Jur River County, Wau County, Raga County, Wau Municipality, Kuajok and Awiel in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. The discussion covered awareness on UNSCR 1325 concept and importance, Girl’s Education as a key for women empowerment, Gender- Based Violence (GBV), women security, women rights, trauma healing and stress management and reflection of exchange visit to Wau. Albino Bangele commending on the importance of girl’s education / Radio interview The participation of the listeners during the dissemination of Radio program was promising, their contribution was very good and they have recommended for the program to continue for the creation of wider awareness for positive change and peaceful society. While eight (8) dialogues were conduct on the UNSCR 1325 and gender related issues such as Gender-Based violence, good governance, security challenges women and girls are facing in Western Bahr el Ghazal to the security agenda, women safety and protection, transitional Government and interim constitution, CEDAW, women and security targeting women from government institutions, secondary girl’s school church and Mapel Payam and Wau town. These dialogues attended by 102 males and 307 females. It is worth mentioning that these dialogues was facilitated by UNMISS Civil Affairs section, WOTAP, CEPO and the participants. Table (5): Gender related activities during the reporting period:
Hon. Minister of Gender addressing opening dialogue on CEDAW Mrs. Ann/ former 1325 participant facilitating women rights awareness session /Wau Municipality 4. Partners Joint activities: In accordance with the project global work plan, numbers of activities were designed to be conducted jointly between the partners, either to strengthen the capacity of the partners or support the implementation of some activities. At the level of the partner’s management, the following activities have been implemented to strengthen the capacity of the local partner’s staff and organizations as well as smooth monitoring and follow up of the work plan and implementation:
Table (6): Joint activities during implementation period:
While, exchange visits as been organized and hosted by EWA, WOTAP and SSLS in Equotoria- Yambio, Western Bahr el Ghazal- Wau and Western Equotoria- Torit respectively for the partners and the participants. The main objectives of these visits was exchanging of views, sharing of experiences and learning from each other as well as strengthening lobby and advocacy for common goal and agenda. The visits targeted specific government institutions such as Judiciaries, legislative assemblies, pensions, ministries of gender and education, Town Municipalities and UNMISS (Civil Affairs, Gender and Human Rights ) offices purposely, to understand the current status of women and girls (changes and challenges) in relation to UNSCR 1325 agenda and how to influence situations, lobby and advocate for improvement. Also the visits included and site show to some of the historical locations. These visits were really interesting; the participation was very encouraging and brought along many issues for discussion with much attention. The discussions were centered on the following areas: rape, adultery, murder cases, provision of safe environment and scholar for girls, 25% women quota in constitutional positions, women status in POC and protection of civilian’s mandate. More specific the duration of the exchange visit in Wau was four days, attended by 34 participants and came out with the following major recommendations: 1. More efforts should be put by the CSOs to address rights of women. 2. Formation of technical committee by the CSOs to follow-up issues of girls and women (rape, GBV, drop out cases——-) as well as assurance of full support. 3. Formation of strong network at the partner’s level for exchanging of information, tackling and addressing of the burning issues commonly affecting women in some part, lobbing and advocating for women advancement in South Sudan. It is worth mentioning that, 4 participants (females) and 4 participants (1 male and 3 females) participated in exchange visits in Yambio and Torit respectively. Table (6) exchange visit in Wau:
Exchange visit- reception at Wau Airport 5. Mentoring Coaching and session: In the second quarter of 2014, we began mentoring and coaching session program targeting UNSCR 1325 formal participants, which sought to build the capacity of UNSCR 1325 members effectively champion the gender equality agenda in their respective positions and constituencies. We conducted four (4) sessions on the following: 1. Reflection on the personal experience of the coach ( madam Regina) 2. Federalism and type of government 3. Women and political participation 4. Proposal writing 5. Computer training We also describe mentoring and coaching as having been full of rich learning in the sense that the team grew both professionally and personality through the various engagements and these leanings continue to be ploughed back to their daily work. The most key learning that stayed with them was the importance of confidence, partnership, mentoring and sustainability. It is worth mentioning that all these sessions were conducted by expert Coaches and personalities.
Table (7) Mentoring and coaching session:
Computer Coaching session
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
- Program/Activity Outcomes:
|
The expected outcomes of the program: 1. Potential women leaders have started to participate in political decision making processes and the security sector, with a focus at state level. 2. Existing women leaders are actively participating in the political decision making processes as well as in the security sector, with a focus at the state level. 3. Increased capacity of the civil society in South Sudan, with a focus on the 4 selected states, to provide effective support to potential and existing women to take up leadership roles in the political decision making processes as well as in the security sector. 4. International and national gender frameworks adopted, used and respected by authorities, religious, traditional and opinion leaders. 5. Authorities, religious, traditional and opinion leaders are more aware of the importance of participation of women in political decision making processes and the security sector and are more supportive of potential and existing women leaders. 6. Potential and existing women leaders at state level, with inter linkages to the local levels and the national level, know how to find each other and use each other to reach joint goals.
|
- Story Abstract:
| The project developed as result of inspiring process of cooperation between Dutch and South Sudanese organizations. WOTAP was consulted, assessed and selected for UNSCR 1325 consortium project in South Sudan to implement UNSCR 1325 in Western Bahr el Ghazal State in Jur River and Wau counties.
The result was a joint project focused on participation of women in political decision making processes and in the security sector, with a focus at the state level. With the overall objective: Effective women participation and female leadership in political decision making processes as well as in the security sector at the state level in 4 states of South Sudan, with inter-linkages to the local levels of Boma, Payam and County and to the national level, in an enabling environment. And the strategic objectives results:
WOTAP was committed to making advances to the achievement of the project of UNSCR 1325 in South Sudan- Western Bahr el Ghazal through the implementation of her strategic plan and the project action plan (2013-2015). The project duration was three (3) years, the real starting was from January 2013- December 2015, targeting 30 potential and existing women leaders in Western Bahr el Ghazal, WOTAP recognizes the need for women’s empowerment, WOTAP mobilized, identified and selected capable and committed participants, engaged and followed critically, the work plan and implemented the following activities: 1. Training of Trainers on UNSCR 1325 at State and Boma Level. 2. Leadership training on UNSCR 1325 for the partners. 3. Meetings with the participants. 4. Developing of profiles for the participants. 5. Filling of tool A1 and B questionnaires for the participant. 6. Data collection on women leaders in western Bahr el Ghazal State. 7. Radio PSA recording and talk shows. 8. Dialogues on related topics. 9. Identification and selection of coaches. 10. Awareness and dialogues on UNSCR 1325 and gender-related issues. 11. Exchange visits in 3 States. 12. Project evaluation
Lessons learned during the project implementation period in brief: · When the project started, UNSCR 1325 was a new concept in Western Bahr el Ghazal, now a good number of people are aware of UNSCR 1325 and the participants who are directly involved are leading dissemination of knowledge and information about it in the State as well as committed to sustain to move for the advancement of women and the generation to come.
In conclusion, this project was implemented with active collaboration of the entire stakeholder; we would like to extend our sincere thanks to ICCO for funding and providing capacity building. VFC, CEPO and Pax for back-up, the line ministries, UNMISS and partners NGOs who joined us and demonstrated the spirit of collaboration in firm partnership in achieving project implementation in Western Bahr el Ghazal State. We hope this report will inform future debates and actions on over all development of women and more cooperation with Donor in the future. |
- Contact information:
Name: Linda Ferdinand Hussein
Title: Executive Director
Organization: WOTAP
Phone: + 211 955 767809
E-mail: wotapwau@gmail.com
Name: Muzama Asunta Justo
Title: Project Manager
Organization: WOTAP
Phone: + 211 950 565 056
E-mail: muzamamuzama@yahoo.com
- Does ICCO have permission to share this success story?
- Yes
No
- Date story submitted:
- ICCO Project Officer:
- Overall Style Reminders
WOTAP Wau 