Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Paul Tholen. | Photo by Awan Moses, May 30, 2025

According to Ambassador Tholen, these bills are essential for protecting and promoting the rights of women and girls in the country.

The Dutch Ambassador delivered his message on Thursday, October 30, during the launch of the two-day 5th National Conference on Women, Peace and Security in Juba, held under the theme: “Restoring Hope and Commitment for Action: Advancing Women’s Role in Peacebuilding.”

Ambassador Tholen stressed that achieving gender equality begins with ensuring that equal rights for women and men are firmly embedded in law.

He stressed the crucial role of legal frameworks, noting that when they uphold equality, all institutions—including the police, judiciary, civil registry, land authorities, tax bodies, and banks—become obligated to defend and promote women’s rights.

“What we have learned from these programs is that at the start, equal rights for women and men should be firmly embedded in law,” Ambassador Tholen stated.

“The police, the judiciary, the civil registry, the land titling department, the tax revenue service, and the banks and other institutions all have an obligation to argue in favor of women’s rights,” he said.

He emphasized that this is vital for issues such as handling gender-based violence cases, guaranteeing inheritance and the right to own land for women, and he right to divorce.

Ambassador Tholen pointed out that the right to decide about their own body, including their sexual and reproductive health rights, ensures women have the same opportunities as men and boys.

Expressing concern over the delays, Ambassador Tholen specifically appealed to lawmakers to act swiftly on the Family Bill, which is one of six key equality-related bills currently pending in Parliament.

He concluded by urging a joint, focused effort: “I would like to call upon my colleagues in the development arena and the government of South Sudan to spare no effort to strengthen the capacity to champion the global cause for women, because with you, the voices of girls and women will never be lost. Equal rights need constant work and vigilance…”

Ambassador Tholen called on the government, communities, civil society organizations, and other committed players to continue to jointly focus on these crucial aspects to advance the rights of women and girls.