The U.S. Ambassador to South Sudan Michael J. Adler has called for women and girls’ rights to be respected in South Sudan during celebration of International Women Day.
“There must be respect for women’s and girls’ rights and an end to sexual and gender-based violence and other violations of their rights,” Adler said in a statement issued in Juba on Wednesday.
Adler said women and girls deserve the opportunity to play a full and equal role in society, politics, and the economy, as well as in building peace and security.
He said the future success of the country depends upon the treatment, status, and rights of women and girls.
This year’s International Women Day is being celebrated under the theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality.”
Adler said his government is committed to achieving gender equality in all spheres of life, including innovation and technology.
Adler said the U.S government has long championed empowerment, education, and equity for women and girls.
The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funds diverse initiatives that empower women and girls, including expanding their access to education, health care, clean water, and sanitation; providing girls and women training on income-generating livelihoods; supporting women’s role in civil society; and helping prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
With the United Nations Population Fund and the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, USAID marked the launch on February 27 of a USAID-funded safe house in Juba and related support services for survivors of gender-based violence.
“No nation can reach its full potential without empowering women and girls,” USAID Mission Director for South Sudan Kate Crawford said.
Crawford said USAID is supporting women and girls in South Sudan to realize their rights and reach their potential, including their essential role in helping South Sudan achieve lasting peace at the grassroots and national levels.
