April 2025 – National Press Club

Juba, South Sudan – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS), with support from the Peacebuilding Fund through UN Women, has been conducting a series of radio talk shows on Eye Radio to enhance public awareness on women’s participation in politics and leadership before and after the upcoming South Sudan elections.

The talk shows aired on Friday, March 14, and Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, featuring discussions on critical themes such as Women’s Political Participation and Leadership and Breaking Barriers: Transforming Women’s Participation.

The programs brought together a panel of distinguished guests, including: Ms. Nyayo Rejoice and Ms. Agnes Dramio Martin – Students of law from the University of Juba, Mr. Mandre Joel Smith – from National Transitional Leadership Initiative, Molana Merio Jimmy – Legal expert on and lecturer at Ccatholic Univeristy, Ms. Jackline John, staff at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, and Hon. Henry Kala – chairperson of Central Equatoria State’s independent commission for reconciliation.

Joined with radio listeners and online followers, the discussions focused on various key issues, including: The Importance of Women in Leadership and the benefits of gender inclusivity; Barriers to Women’s Political Participation and the challenges they face in leadership roles; The Role of Men in Supporting Women’s Political Leadership; Women Against Women – how internal biases and competition hinder progress; Bridging the Gender Gap – fostering collaboration between men and women in governance; Culture and Women’s Leadership – examining how traditional beliefs impact women’s leadership potential

Speaking during the shows, Ms. Agnes Dramio Martin emphasized that women’s involvement in politics is crucial for national development. “A society that excludes women from leadership is limiting its own growth. Women bring unique perspectives that enhance governance and peacebuilding,” she stated. Similarly, Hon. Jackline John shared her personal experiences in overcoming challenges as a woman in politics “We must break the stereotypes that politics is a man’s space. Women are capable leaders, and their voices must be heard,” she said.

The radio series aims to encourage more women to participate in leadership while challenging societal norms that limit their political engagement. The initiative has received positive feedback from listeners, sparking conversations across communities about gender inclusivity in governance. NPC-SS and its partners plan to continue engaging the public through media platforms to promote a more inclusive political landscape in South Sudan.

Guests at Eye Radio studios during a talk show on March 28, 2025 Photo: Eye Radio/ Staff

Guests at Eye Radio during a talk show on March 21, 2025 Photo: Eye Radio/ Staff

Guests at Radio Miraya during a talk show on March 17, 2025 Phot: Radio Miraya/ Staff

Originally published by Radio Tamazuj on March 15, 2025

The National Press Club (NPC) held an open knowledge-sharing event on Friday, engaging around 20 university students—primarily young women—to encourage their participation in democratic processes.

The discussion, hosted in collaboration with the University of Juba, the Catholic University of South Sudan, and Stafford University, featured insights from prominent figures including Justice Perpetua Ajonye, a constitutional lawyer and Secretary-General of the Judicial Reform Committee, and Lona James Elia, Deputy Chairperson of the Political Parties’ Council.

Bullen Kenyi, Chairperson of the NPC Board of Directors, emphasised the event’s goal of equipping female students with public speaking skills to prepare them for future leadership roles. He explained that the focus on young women was deliberate, as their formative years present a critical opportunity for growth and development.

“This event is designed to empower young people, like the ones we see here today,” Mr Kenyi said. He urged participants to take the discussions seriously, stressing that leadership requires both knowledge and experience.

“I strongly encourage you to engage with the presentations from our speakers. When you leave here, you should take with you valuable knowledge,” he added. “Leadership is not possible without awareness, knowledge, and experience. If you aspire to be a leader, you must first be informed and prepared.”

Joseph Kido, Director-General in the National Ministry of Peacebuilding, called on young women to actively participate in South Sudan’s political landscape. He acknowledged that cultural stereotypes often hinder women’s involvement in politics and public discourse but emphasised the importance of challenging these norms.

“We would like to see strong female voices from all 10 states and the three administrative areas,” Mr Kido said. “Young women who are confident in public speaking and can address issues effectively.” Merio Jimmy, a lecturer at the Catholic University of South Sudan, urged the NPC to establish student press clubs in universities to further develop leadership skills among young people. The National Press Club is a nonprofit media organization in South Sudan where journalists and media professionals meet to improve theirskills.

National Press Club takes talks to universities

You women – Law students from the University of Juba pose for a group photo after the event. Photo by Moses A./NPC-SS

Participants and facilitators pose for group photo during the event. Photo by Dedy Esbon/ Radio Tamazuj