Zalingei: 7 March 2019, Under the theme: “Think Equal, Build Smart, Innovate for Change”, UNAMID celebrated the United Nations International Women’s Day with a colorful event that included cultural performances, Hakamat traditional dances and a Darfuri women handicraft market held at the Mission’s Headquarters in Zalingei, Central Darfur.

Hundreds of women from surrounding Camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs), women’s organizations, civil society, youth as well as UNAMID staff and Government officials attended the event.

At the gathering, UNAMID Joint Special Representative (JSR), Jeremiah Mamabolo, conveyed the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres’s message for the Day in which he urged all to work hard to create an environment in which “women and girls can shape the policies, services and infrastructure that impact all our lives. And let’s support women and girls who are breaking down barriers to create a better world for everyone.”

In her remarks, the Central Darfur Minister for Health and Social Development, who also represented the Wali (Governor) of the State at the event, Ms. Samia Hassan, thanked UNAMID for organizing the International Women’s Day event and highlighted the increased participation of Sudanese women in local decision making mechanisms and legislative councils.  “Participation of women in decision making institutions in Darfur is at almost 30%. My presence at this occasion, representing the Wali of Central Darfur, is a real example of advancement in women’s rights in Darfur. I encourage all the women of central Darfur to look for opportunities to improve themselves educationally and participate in capacity building programs that focus on the protection of women and children’s rights,” Ms. Samia stated.

Ms. Afaf Kunjom, Chairperson of Central Darfur Women’s Union, commended UNAMID for inviting the women from Central Darfur to participate in the observance of the International Women’s Day and noted that the 2019 theme for the Day truly inspires women to search and embrace their social and economic rights.

UNAMID organized a similar event in Golo town in central Darfur where it partnered with the local women’s union and the Locality Commissioner. Golo town is adjacent to the Mission’s Temporary Operating Base.