Members of the Women with Disabilities Association address a press conference in Juba. Photo: Obaj Okuj/Eye Radio

Women with disabilities are calling on the Political Parties Council, electoral management bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure their full and meaningful participation in South Sudan’s electoral and political processes.

The appeal was made during an engagement meeting with the Political Parties Council in Juba.

The women urged political parties to adopt inclusive policies that support the recruitment, mentorship, and participation of women with disabilities as party members, leaders, candidates, and campaign officials.

They also called on political parties to remove barriers in their constitutions, nomination procedures, and leadership structures that limit the participation of women with disabilities.

The group further appealed for political meetings, campaigns, and civic education programmes to be made accessible through sign language interpretation, accessible venues, and information in formats suitable for persons with disabilities.

Speaking at a press conference in Juba on Monday, Catherine Vesensio, on behalf of the Union of Persons with Disabilities, urged political actors to translate their commitments into action as the country prepares for elections.

“As South Sudan prepares for democratic elections, we call upon all political actors to honour the commitments our nation has made under the convention of the Rights of Person with disabilities, the omen, peace and security agenda, and the Maputo Protocol,” Vesensio appealed.

She said women with disabilities should be able to register as voters, access information, campaign freely, contest elections, hold leadership positions, and participate equally in shaping the future of South Sudan.

“These commitments require more than words, they require action. Women with disabilities must be able to register as voters, access information and campaign freely, contest elections, hold leadership positions, and participate equally in shaping the future of South Suda,” she added.