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