Mary Baril Catherine Demontano, a UN Police (UNPOL) officer from the Philippines, serves in Aweil, South Sudan, under the UNMISS mandate. Deeply committed to empowering women, she highlights their crucial role in nation-building and peacekeeping, stating, “Women and girls constitute 50 per cent of any society. When you empower a woman, you build a nation. They are the catalysts of change.”

In a country where women face considerable challenges, including violence and discrimination, she advocates for increased support and believes that empowering women is essential for the country's development and long-term peace.

Mary works with local police officers, particularly focusing on her female counterparts, who are often the first responders to cases of gender-based violence. Despite the hardships these women endure, including the rampant violence in their communities, Mary draws inspiration from their determination and resilience. She notes that these women, in many cases, are also the primary caregivers and breadwinners for their families, which makes their empowerment even more critical.

One of Mary’s key contributions to peacekeeping efforts is her involvement in patrolling conflict-prone areas to protect civilians. “It’s not an easy environment. When I meet my female counterparts from the country’s national police, I hear the immense challenges they have faced as women in uniform,” reveals Mary.

“Even more troubling is the fact that women and girls in the communities we serve still bear the brunt of lots of violence. Many of them have survived either sexual violence or domestic abuse and yet continue to be the breadwinners of their households. They continue to smile and be hopeful, and their resilience is truly inspiring.”

Additionally, she played a leading role in launching a Pilot Network for Uniformed Women Police in Aweil, which provides a platform for skill-sharing and experience exchange between UN peacekeepers and local female officers. This initiative is designed to foster solidarity and build local capacity in peacekeeping efforts.

“I think one of the most interesting and rewarding things about being a peacekeeper is that you can see the tangible difference our work makes in the lives of others. For example, here in Aweil we started a Pilot Network for Uniformed Women Police, a platform for sharing skills and experiences, to help us exchange knowledge with South Sudanese women officers,” says Mary, who describes the progress made by her national counterparts as “remarkable”.

Her work not only focuses on preventing violence but also addressing its aftermath, including supporting women who experience unwanted pregnancies as a result of these traumatic situations.

“Women here must be supported, protected and empowered to achieve their full potential, preferably by other women, because girls and women are the true backbone of South Sudan,” she affirms.

Mary’s dedication to empowering women extends beyond her immediate responsibilities. She calls on South Sudanese leaders to recognize the critical role of women in building a peaceful and prosperous future. , urging for continued efforts to support and protect women across the country.

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