JUBA, Aug. 19 (Xinhua) -- The UN senior relief official in South Sudan on Monday lauded the role of women in humanitarian leadership in the country which it said was crucial to addressing inequalities and discrimination caused by conflict.
Alain Noudehou, humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, said more needs to be done to address the risks faced by women humanitarians and combat the pre-existing inequalities and discrimination that are reinforced by conflict and violence, leading to unique risks for women and girls
"We therefore need to do more at all levels to improve their working environment and address the challenges faced by women humanitarians," Noudehou said in a statement issued to mark the World Humanitarian Day which falls on Aug. 19.
He highlighted the strength of women humanitarians, and their perseverance against all the odds.
"In their work, they put their personal safety at risk and are often subject to discrimination and sexual harassment. They are undeniably essential to the successful operation of our humanitarian response in South Sudan," Noudehou said.
He said women's participation and leadership in humanitarian action is more likely to address these inequalities.
"We need to ensure that women's needs, skills and capacities are better understood and represented at all levels of the humanitarian system," said the UN relief official.
According to the UN, evidence shows that when women are involved in every part of humanitarian action, including at the decision-making and leadership levels, humanitarian response is more effective and inclusive.
Noudehou said women's participation also improves the humanitarian response to gender-based violence, which increases during emergencies.
In South Sudan, humanitarian funding should be directed to humanitarian action that addresses these particular needs of women and girls, he said.
There are just over 40 national women-led organizations in South Sudan, out of a total of 214 national NGOs.
