Illiteracy, poverty and negative cultural and traditional practices are impeding the advancement of women and girls in Upper Nile State.

Those were some of the conclusions that emerged from a one-day consultative workshop held by the UNMIS Gender Unit in Malakal on June 3 to promote awareness about UN Security Council Resolution 1325, which reaffirmed the important role of women in conflict resolution and peace-building activities when it was adopted ten years ago.

Philip Awow Deng of the Upper Nile State Ministry of Social Development stated that gender equality continues to be hindered by the high illiteracy rates among women.

"We need to work hard," said Mr. Deng, "in order to reduce the differences as well as offer more opportunities to women so that they are engaged in all aspects of decision-making, especially on issues that affect them."

Similar views were expressed by his ministry colleague Elizabeth Gwang.

"Women can play big roles in making peace in communities...if empowered and supported by stakeholders in the peace process," she said.

Workshop participant Achala Ajula Goy said the information she received about UN Security Council Resolution 1325 was very valuable. "We need to spread awareness among women so that we are all aware of our rights and duties," she said. "Government and parties to the conflict would not represent women's interests."

The meeting drew representatives from 24 civil society organizations..

Ms. Gwang and primary schoolteacher Regina Marko were selected by workshop participants to represent Upper Nile State at an open day meeting on the resolution that will be hosted by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Sudan Haile Menkerios on 10 June at UNMIS headquarters in Khartoum.