UN LAUNCH WOMEN SECURITY SECTOR NETWORK

A Fijian Officer currently serving under the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) participated in the launch of the South Sudan Women’s Security Sector Network.

Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mereani Rokowati Vasakula in her UNPOL Officer in Charge Gender Advisor and her role is to support the implementation of the UN Security Council Resolutions (UNSCR) on Women Peace and Security namely 1325.

ASP Vasakula said she assists in developing capacity in order to ensure peacekeeping activities are gender sensitive and responsive to the different needs of women and men.

She spoke during a workshop two days before the launch of the South Sudan Women’s Security Sector Network recently where she stressed the importance of understanding the knowledge and skills gaps to ensure the network’s functions and advocacy together on gender equality and women empowerment.

The Vione, Gau mother of five says as women as peacekeepers have been seen to improve overall peacekeeping performance, have greater access to communities, help in promoting human rights and the protection of civilians.

The Network is supported by UNMISS, UN Women and UNDP and the South Sudan Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare to facilitate the creation of women’s networks in armed forces, police, and prison services to link female personnel.

The goal of these networks is for them to become self-sustained, so that they can advocate internally for gender responsive security institutions.