Minister of Gender Aya Benjamin Warile and dignitaries cut a cake to mark the International Men's Day in Juba. (Photo: UNFPA).

The Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare has called on men to work closely with women for better economic and social development.

Aya Benjamin Warille made the remarks during the commemoration of International Men’s Day in Juba at the weekend.

The Men’s Day is a global holiday celebrated annually on November 19th to recognize and celebrate the lives, achievements and contributions of boys and men.

South Sudan, for the first time, officially celebrated the event on Saturday – under the local theme; ‘Leading by Example.’

Speaking to thousands of people at the event, Minister Aya called on men and boys to collaborate with women and girls towards a better future.

“This is is a very important day because we are here to celebrate the men of South Sudan and celebrate their role in the society,” said Aya.

“We want to address our issues holistically. We can’t leave men out of this arrangement. So today, we are here to bring all of us together so that men and women can build a healthy relationship.”

The event was organized by Men4Women, in partnership with Smile Again Africa for Development (SAADO) and the Ministry of Gender child and social welfare and with support from UNFPA.

For his part, Dr. Ademola Olajide, UNFPA Representative to South Sudan says building partnerships between men and women is crucial for development.

“It’s a day that is a set a side globally to address the issue concerning men,” he said.

“We are trying to build a partnership where men identify their roles based on what they need to do, and we have an honest conversation about the things society forced upon men and it’s become heavy load.”

The international theme for this year’s Men’s Day is ‘Harnessing Positive Masculinity for Social Justice.’