Stakeholder Workshop: Creating a Conducive Environment for Women’s Leadership

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In a significant effort to foster a more supportive environment for women’s leadership and political participation, the National Press Club – South Sudan (NPC-SS) successfully hosted a three-day stakeholder workshop focused on these critical issues. The event held from August 7 to 9, 2024, at Glory Regency Hotel, featured presentations and discussions aimed at addressing the barriers women face in leadership, political participation, and peacebuilding.

The workshop provided a platform for diverse participants, including national and state government officials, civil society representatives, persons with disabilities, media personnel, and youth leaders. Key deliberations included findings of a baseline survey on social norms and structural barriers hindering women’s leadership, panel discussion on the roles of various stakeholders in challenging harmful social norms, and discussions on the roles of women in peacebuilding, constitution-making processes, and the challenges faced by young women in participating actively in these areas.
In her opening remarks, Hon. Yar Telar Ring, Deputy Chairperson for the Women’s Caucus in the Revitalized Transitional Legislative Assembly (RTLA), emphasized the significant challenges faced by women in South Sudan. “We are the most vulnerable in our new nation, and the road ahead is long,” she noted, highlighting the lack of access to education, persistent security threats, and societal perceptions of women as major obstacles. Hon. Yar called for the implementation of a framework that would ensure that women are afforded the opportunities mandated by the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS).

Hon. Nyaman Nyiock, Chairperson of the Standing Committee for Peacebuilding in the State RTLA in Malakal, encouraged women leaders to promote peace among themselves, she urged the government to enact laws that support women’s participation in politics, decision-making, and peacebuilding. “We are capable of participating in all sectors, including roles as high as the presidency,” she stated, urging women to unite and fight for their rights.
Esther Ikere, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting women’s participation across various sectors, including the private sector, civil society, and academia. She announced the Ministry’s plan to launch a study framework titled ‘Gender Equality and Public Administration (GEPA),’ which will provide valuable insights into women’s roles in leadership and peacebuilding. Ikere also emphasized the Ministry’s intention to collaborate with women leaders from different political parties to ensure the successful implementation of the framework.

Throughout the workshop, participants engaged in extensive discussions and brainstorming sessions, leaving them inspired and determined to take concrete actions towards creating a more conducive environment for women’s leadership and political participation. “I have realized that women’s participation in leadership and politics is still extremely low,” confessed Hon. Nyaman, pledging to empower the women of Malakal and inspire them with hope. She expressed gratitude to the facilitators, NPC, and UN Women for making the event possible.

Mr. Beka, a male participant from Pibor and a representative of persons with disabilities, shared that he gained valuable knowledge from the workshop and committed to bringing the transformation back to Pibor. Chief Emmanuel Juma Kalifa of Dolo Payam, Juba County, praised NPC and UN Women for the initiative, stating that the workshop had greatly impacted him and pledged to initiate awareness forums in Dolo Payam to promote a conducive environment for women’s political participation and leadership.

The workshop concluded with a strong sense of commitment among the participants to take meaningful steps toward advancing women’s leadership and political participation in South Sudan.

 

Participants pose for a group photo. Credit, Joky Malual/The Radio Community

Participants during an energizer. Credit, Joky Malual/The Radio Community

NPC-SS concluded a Project Inception meeting

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Malakal; July 24, 2024 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) yesterday, concluded a project inception meeting to commence project activities in Malakal.

The meeting between NPC-SS and state authorities aimed to create a conducive environment for the project’s success. Hon. Noama John Chol, acting Chairperson for the Women Caucus, applauded NPC-SS and UN Women, expressing optimism about the project’s impact on women’s representation in government.
Hon. Pal Ruach Duoth, deputy speaker of the Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the project, acknowledging challenges like language barriers and limited capacity building.
Ms. Nyaroun Gabriel, NPC-SS field officer, highlighted the project’s goals: enhancing women’s leadership, addressing structural barriers, and promoting gender equality. Funded by the Peace Building Fund through UN Women, the project aims to raise awareness and facilitate women’s engagement in politics.

Mr. Ochaya James, NPC-SS Executive Director, thanked the state leadership for their warm reception and emphasized achieving the project’s objectives.

NPC-SS filed officer (L), acting chairperson for Women Caucus (M), NPC-SS executive director (R)

NPC-SS team and Upper Nile State representatives in a group photo

NPC-South Sudan Concludes Mentorship Session for Young Women

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Juba, July 19, 2024 –The National Press Club – South Sudan (NPC-SS) successfully conducted a one-day mentorship workshop for young women to promote their leadership, political participation, decision-making, and peace-building efforts.

Under the theme “Promoting Conducive Environment for Women Participation in Peace-building, Leadership, and Political Process,” the event aimed to empower young women for strategic leadership and political ambitions.

Hon. Joseph Kido, Director General of the Ministry of Peace Building, emphasized the importance of the mentorship session in enabling young women to discover their potential as change agents. He highlighted the need for such programs to be extended nationwide to help women join political parties effectively.

Mrs. Delphina Roba, deputy chair of NPC-SS, noted the low representation of women in both state and national governments, citing only one female governor in ten states and no area administrator in the three administrative areas. She stressed the importance of mentoring young women to advance gender equality and address the challenges of violence against women in politics.

Over 15 young women from national and state parliaments, academic institutions, and civil society were inspired by coaching from women leaders including Hon. Lona James Elia, Justice Ajonye, and Hon. Jackline Gaza. Participants expressed optimism in overcoming challenges and some school teachers expressed interest in joining politics.

Supported by UN Women South Sudan and the Peace-building fund, NPC-SS remains committed to advancing the gender agenda.

Participants pose for group photo

Mama Lona Elia, while mentoring the young Women.

NPC-SS Conducts a Workshop for Journalist Peer-to-Peer Network

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Yambio, June 21, 2024 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) successfully organized a one-day Peer to Peer network Workshop in Yambio, Western Equatoria State.  The event focused on the theme: “Advancing Freedom of Expression, Media Rights, and Access to Information for South Sudanese Citizens.”

Supported by USAID through IREX, More than fifteen participants from Civil Society, Journalists, Secondary School students, Persons with disabilities, Women, and Youth participated in the workshop. Mr. Zingbondo J. Emmanuel, Director General of the State Ministry of Information and Communication, expressed gratitude to NPC-SS and IREX for organizing the inclusive event in Yambio. “This training marks a significant milestone, especially with the inclusion of persons with disabilities, Chiefs, and members of civil society,” he remarked, to enhance access to information, it is crucial to bring together such diverse groups, he added.

Mr. Emmanuel reiterated the State Ministry of Information’s commitment to promoting Media Freedom in Western Equatoria. He urged media development partners to continue their support, emphasizing that the State Government alone cannot fully support journalists and media workers in the region.

Addressing journalists, Mr. Emmanuel stressed the importance of ethical standards in delivering reliable and accurate information, particularly as South Sudan prepares for elections and constitution-making processes. He expressed confidence that partnerships with organizations like NPC-SS, with support from USAID and IREX, will foster positive developments in the media landscape.

Mr. Ochaya James, Executive Director of the National Press Club, highlighted that the workshop aimed to empower and create platforms for information dissemination across Western Equatoria and beyond. Acknowledging the collaboration between citizens, state leadership, and media development partners, Mr. James affirmed NPC-SS’s vision for an enabling environment for journalists and media workers.

Flora Gume, the NPC-SS focal person in Yambio, expressed gratitude to NPC-SS, IREX, and USAID for prioritizing journalists and stakeholders in Yambio. She emphasized the workshop’s potential to empower citizens in using media to bolster democracy and access to information.

Gume encouraged journalists to leverage the training to enhance their capabilities in educating, informing, and entertaining society.

Participants pose for group photo

NPC-SS Commemorates World Press Freedom Day (WPFD); Advocates for Independent Media in South Sudan

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Juba, May 8, 2024 – The National Press Club-South Sudan (NPC-SS) has successfully concluded a momentous event in honor of World Press Freedom Day on May 6. Under the theme “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis,” the event, supported by USAID through IREX, brought together a diverse group of over thirty participants from esteemed institutions such as the University of Juba, Stafford International University, and MDI, as well as representatives from secondary schools, civil society, the media, and strategic partners.

The occasion was marked by compelling speeches from notable figures, including the esteemed Dean of the School of Journalism, Media, and Communication Studies at the University of Juba, Dr. Rebecca Lorins who highlighted the university’s unwavering commitment to producing competent journalists despite the challenges posed by limited press freedom in South Sudan. She called upon media organizations and partners to join forces with the institution in pursuit of this noble goal.
Recognizing the harsh realities faced by journalists; IREX representative, Linet Omwange acknowledged the precarious nature of press freedom in South Sudan where journalists grapple with constant threats, intimidation, and pervasive censorship. However, she emphasized the transformative power of accessible media, stating, “Accessible media should serve as a secure space for civil society and a platform for freedom of expression for human rights defenders.” She further emphasized the significance of radio and audio formats in local languages as effective channels for education, particularly considering the high illiteracy rates in South Sudan.
In a rallying call to emerging journalists, she urged them to remain steadfast in providing accurate information on the pressing issue of the environmental crisis, both within South Sudan and beyond.
Meanwhile, the USAID Director for Democracy and Governance underscored the importance of commemorating World Press Freedom Day, asserting that press freedom stands as a vital pillar of democracy. “Press freedom is one of the strongest foundations of a robust democracy,” he declared, emphasizing that without press freedom, a viable democracy cannot thrive.
Driven by a shared vision, NPC-SS, along with support from IREX, UNESCO, and other valued partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to establishing a resilient, sustainable, and independent media landscape in South Sudan.
During a panel discussion, Josephine Achiro, Chairperson of AMDISS, expressed her profound gratitude for the opportunity presented to students, stating, “This is an unprecedented chance that I never had during my university days. Today, I am elated because as students, you have access to this invaluable knowledge at an early stage.”

She encouraged all participants to harness the information gained during the event to elevate their journalism  practice and make a lasting impact.

Participants pose for group photo

Participants attending to presentation