Women of the Tokyo Peace Roundtable, an Interview Series Featuring Mrs. Margaret Barsaba

Women of the Tokyo Peace Roundtable: Mrs. Margaret Barsaba, Chairperson of the South Sudan Women of Faith Network

Q: Can you describe the work that you do?

Mrs. Barsaba: The work we are doing as women of South Sudan is training women in peacebuilding and leadership training with different skills. We provide conflict and reconciliation training among those who have problems and need counseling and reconciling, especially people in conflict. Another area we help in is providing clothes to those who are in need such as widows and children who have lost their mothers or both parents.

Q: Why is it necessary for religious leaders and faith actors to be at the forefront of conflict situations?

Mrs. Barsaba: They [religious leaders and faith actors] are ready every time to face any problem and act as mediators in between those who have a conflict. They are there every time to restore hope and peace among the people of God. They are used to working with people who need reconciliation and have the confidence of the people every time they stand for the truth. When they come out in the forefront, God gives them power to overcome and not destroy as they have hearts of forgiveness and love for others. They are people of peace and prayers, but they are not all always given those peace and prayers.

Q: What were/are your expectations of the Tokyo Peace Roundtable, and have they been met? What are you hoping to see beyond the Roundtable?

Mrs. Barsaba: I expect positive change for children, families, and communities all over the world and what we all have put together in the Statement, let it be implemented and allow for reconciliation within our countries to be supported, especially to help and support religious leaders.

Photos courtesy of Rissho Kosei-kai