UNISFA, in collaboration with partners, led celebrations to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day under the global theme: “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress”, shedding light on the achievements and challenges that women face in fostering peace and security in Abyei.

During a panel discussion organized at the mission headquarters to mark the day, Ag. Head of Mission/Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Benjamin Sawyer, acknowledged the significant accomplishments of women and girls. He emphasized the important role that women continue to play in promoting peace and security as well as in advancing gender equality in Abyei and urged all stakeholders to join hands in supporting women and girl’s empowerment.

The panel discussion, which focused on the role of women in countering mis-disinformation which is rampant in Abyei, brought together nearly 300 women, community leaders, journalists and youth. While acknowledging the harmful impact of the widespread mis-disinformation and rumours in the community, panelists noted the significant role that women and girls can play in countering these harmful influences that are likely to affect peace and security.

The women leaders pledged to take a more active role in reversing this damaging impact by actively sensitizing the community about the importance of fact checking and debunking harmful information as well as safeguarding the integrity of information.

In Diffra, the celebrations provided women leaders with an opportunity to discuss some of the obstacles to peace and to women’s inclusion in decision making. From mis- and disinformation to the prevalence of early marriage, the event which brought together women, youth and  community leaders, journalists and addressed these critical issues.