Women groups in Jonglei are demanding the position of the deputy governor as their share in the state government.

They say appointing a woman representative to a high position this time may help in the full implementation of the peace agreement.

“We’re capable of it but the most difficult thing now is, our husbands will not allow us, because they always say ‘we are in a state emergency because there is war,” said Sarah Achuei, chairperson of the Jonglei Women’s Association in the state.

“But since this war started, we as women we did not run away from the country. Then why when it comes to government and positions they are saying there is war in the country?”

The State Government Secretary-General says it is not clear whether the position would be held by the SPLM in Opposition or the government.

Mawut  Achiek Guarak says there is a chance that the two peace partners may choose a competitive candidate from the women:

“For women it does not matter because there are women in the SPLM-IO. So if they have their own woman contesting for that position and they qualified for their vision of their leadership recommendations or proposals, then that woman can become. If the position of deputy governor belongs to the government and a woman qualifies, then a woman can become a deputy governor. So it is still open.”