March 8, 2019 – Today is International Women’s Day. To mark the occasion, we invited some of our female youth peacemakers from Mexico, Uganda, and South Sudan to share their thoughts about peacebuilding, what it is like to be a woman in their respective communities, and how we can work to achieve a more gender-balanced world.
Mexico
“Women are people of success and are fully capable to achieve everything we set our minds to. Each of us plays a very important role in society: we share values, take risks, think, and act. It depends on all of us to make this possible. I believe, historically, that women have been made to think that we are less strong, capable, or smart compared to men. What would happen if women started to think otherwise?” – Jeanette Chimal (Tijuana)
“It’s very important to me to encourage girls to keep studying and tell them that there is a world to explore. This is the time to change gender roles and build a better world.
My message to young girls and women is that this is the time to be fearless. We deserve to live without violence. We deserve to be heard. And we deserve respect.” – Adelaida Bolom Gomez (Chiapas)
Uganda
“Being a woman in Uganda today means that I can run for political office. I can lead in the community and be an advocate for the services the community needs.
My message about female empowerment is that we have been oppressed. Everyone should come out and speak against injustices so that we can advocate for the oppressed and achieve equality.” – Roseline Anyono
“To be a woman in Uganda today means being able to work very hard, be productive, and have to address sexism in the community. I would like to encourage my fellow female peacemakers to strive hard and reach their goals. In most cases, societies believe that only men can solve issues within the community, but women can do so much more.” – Pisiline Akello
South Sudan
“My name is Martha and I feel proud to be a woman, but sometimes I ask myself: why am I a woman in South Sudan? I ask this because to be a woman in South Sudan means to be not respected but ignored and marginalized.
I condemn acts of men against women because we don’t have a voice. We are often referred to as “Mara Sakhit” – mere women. All decisions are made by men.
We need to have equal employment opportunities. Women should not only be cleaners but have important positions too. Women should also be allowed to receive free education.” – Martha Kuir
“Being a woman in South Sudan can sometimes be challenging. However, it can also be an opportunity to those who are ready and willing to take their destiny into their very hands. It is not an exaggeration to say that there is a lot of negative stereotypes against women in South Sudan. They have been neglected for a long time by their male counterparts. On average, only one of every 20 women has gone to school.
Nevertheless, we the women of South Sudan are grateful to international organizations that put women at the center of development initiatives. As a young South Sudanese woman, I am deeply moved by great, powerful women around the globe. I am determined to bring positive changes to my community, society, and nation. No one should be inferior simply because of their sex.” – Suzan GusiaGbia Gordon Babureyo
