Organized for 40 participants from area women's groups, the session highlighted voter registration and the importance of the April 2010 elections in addition to Comprehensive Peace Agreement sections on the Machakos Protocol, referendum and power as well as wealth sharing.

"Throughout the country, women within political parties and in civil society are looking ahead to elections, preparing to participate as voters, organizers, and as candidates," said Women's Union Chairperson Martha Angar.

Adding that women formed a majority within society, the chairwoman said, "We are trying to contest the elections. We want to vote in a woman candidate for the position of the governor in Upper Nile State."

Upper Nile State Minister of Social Development Sarah Nyanaath noted that women had been largely marginalized from formal peace processes, despite their critical contributions to peace building and stability in Sudan.

Women were vastly under-represented on key committees and decision-making bodies, the minister said, and their interests often overlooked in policy-making. Encouraging participants to learn more about the CPA and election laws, she stressed that women must achieve the 25 per cent of elected seats allotted to them.

Women's Union Secretary Ajok Barnaba observed that women and children were highly affected by wars and conflicts, adding that the community would be safer if women were involved in decision-making.

"Change has come, women and men must stand on an equal footing is all aspects of life. We want to take an important part in the peace making so that we bring up woman and child issues as part of the solution."