By Peter Lokale Nakimangole

TORIT, 11 March 2010 (Gurtong) – Speaking during the International Women’s Day celebrations held on Monday at Yei Freedom Square, an SPLM party representative Samuel Bidali Ganya said women have been marginalised for long in all aspects including education and leadership.

According to reports from Radio Emmanuel 89 FM, Ganya however, encouraged women to stand up and work together with men in order to achieve their empowerment goals.

He also urged women to actively participate in the upcoming general elections and advised parents to support girl - child education through providing their daughters with basic necessities for better learning.

Yei River County Commissioner David Lokonga Moses called for the protection of women against the various forms of violence.

He noted that women had for many years been tortured and intimidated, including being battered by their spouses over minor issues.

He criticised men who threaten their wives with dangerous weapons such as guns and machetes and warned that culprits would be brought to justice.

The Minister for Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs in the Government of Southern Sudan Agnes Kwaje Lasuba who was the chief guest, called upon public and non - governmental organisations to help in building capacities of women through trainings.

She advised women to form groups that can help them to collectively lobby for funding in order to establish income generating projects that can empower them economically.

“Men should not discriminate against women and it is clear in the Interim Constitution of Southern Sudan that widows can inherit their husbands’ property upon their death”, she said.

The celebrations under the theme Equal Rights, Equal Opportunities: Progress For Us All were also held in the South Sudanese capital, Juba where a number of activities were undertaken.

There were dances and exhibitions of arts and craft works by different women groups.

The celebrations were supported by the Government of Southern Sudan, the United Nations Mission in Sudan UNMIS and other United Nations agencies.

However, the celebrations were put off in Torit until March 12, 2010 due to financial constraints’.

The state’s women chairperson Mrs Lucy Ilika Aquinto said female soldiers and female workers with non-governmental organisations are expected to take an active part during the celebrations to mark the important day.

The same was the case in Western Equatoria State where the celebrations failed to take off due to lack of funds.

The International Women's Day (IWD) is marked on the 8th of March every year. It is a major day of global celebration of women. In different regions the focus of the celebrations ranges from general celebration of respect, appreciation and love towards women to a celebration for women's economic, political and social achievements.