Abyei, 9 June 2025 – A Joint Women’s Committee comprising of Ngok Dinka and Misseriya women has been established, marking a significant step in shaping the agenda towards inclusive peace and security in Abyei. The women marked the beginning of their joint cooperation on 5 June in Todach, at the end of the inaugural Ngok Dinka and Misseriya Joint Women’s Conference, facilitated by UNISFA, the International Organization for Migrations (IOM) and Concordis International.

The Women’s Committee will work with existing mechanisms and community leaders to advocate for women’s increased participation in peace dialogue, conflict prevention and reconciliation efforts as well as address security issues facing women and advocate for women’s empowerment. It will convene monthly, co-chaired by representatives from the two communities with seven representatives from each side, including from the three migration corridors.

In his remarks, UNISFA Chief of Staff, Alexander Rose, congratulated the women for coming together for the historic conference in the spirit of cooperation, dialogue and mutual understanding. “Your commitment to peaceful co-existence in Abyei is admirable. It shows that when women are signatories to peace agreements, conflicts are less likely to relapse, and peace is more likely to hold and longer.” He reiterated UNISFA’s commitment to supporting women, and their joint efforts, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.

Over three days, 133 women representing women’s unions, civil society and youth leaders from across Abyei addressed unique challenges affecting them. However, 25 years since the landmark Resolution 1325, they expressed concern about their low or inexistent participation in decision-making structures such as traditional justice and leadership mechanisms, village and corridor committees and the Joint Community Peace Committee.

Citing gender-based discrimination as a barrier to increasing women’s participation in decision-making, they called for the elimination of discriminatory customs and social norms and the formalization of women’s participation in all entities. They also stressed the need to urgently protect women and girls from widespread sexual and gender-based violence and other harmful practices. Peace partners pledged to support the Women’s Committee to continue advancing dialogue and cooperation between the communities.