Malakal – National Press Club

Originally Aired on September 2, 2024, by Mamer Abraham Kuot-VOA reporter, Malakal

The National Press Club-South Sudan with funding from the Peacebuilding Fund through UN Women empowers women in the state to take up leadership positions.

Nyaruon Gabriel, the field officer for the National Press Club in Malakal, says communities in the state have not invested in girls’ education. “By raising education, giving the children education, and educating the girls, because girls are the powerful foundation of the nation; when we educate them of their rights; when we give them opportunities, they are the future leaders and the future representatives of the women.”

Deng Michael, the paramount chief of Malakal County, says women in Upper Nile State and across the country need support to achieve their dreams. “I also urge the government of Upper Nile State in the presence of Hon. Minister of Peacebuilding, the acting Rt. Hon. Speaker, and the presence of everyone here, the UN agencies and the international organizations to support youth and women to gain experience by opening vocational training centers (VTCs).”

Women are underrepresented in leadership positions in the government, which is below the 35% minimum required by the revitalized agreement on the resolution of the conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. Last year, only 26 of the 100 members of the Council of State were women, and only 171 of the 550 members of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly were women.

Fadia Chol, the spokesperson of the Women’s Caucus in Upper Nile State’s Parliament, says young girls should be given opportunities to develop their talents. “The women of Upper Nile need more support and empowerment to participate in government. Also, we need to encourage young girls to participate among leaders and motivate them by highlighting successful models of women’s leadership, organizing events to exchange experience among women’s leadership. Also, provide platforms for young girls to discuss political issues. Development of training programs; by establishing training program to develop women’s leadership skills, and organizing workshops to raise awareness of the importance of women presence in politics.”

Reliably, the UN Women South Sudan told VOA that it is collaborating with National Press Club and other local organizations in a commitment to further the empowerment of women while advocating for the 35% gender quota in Malakal, Juba and Pibor. “UN Women is dedicated to overcoming barriers to women’s political participation, particularly at the grassroots level. Our collaboration with the National Press Club (NPC), Lukluk Community Association for Development (LCAD) and EVE focuses on empowering women in Malakal, Juba, and Pibor. Significant strides have been made, including advocating for the 35% gender quota in the Transitional Government of National Unity, resulting in increased female representation in parliament. Currently, women hold 31% of seats in the Transitional National Legislative Assembly and 26% in the Council of States. Through capacity-building initiatives and advocacy, UN Women continues to enhance women’s involvement in decision-making processes, ensuring their voices contribute to peace and stability in South Sudan.”

South Sudan has relatively high female political participation in comparison to other African countries, currently the number of women in parliaments is average, however, the number of women as governors and ministers is disproportionately very low.

https://www.voaafrica.com/a/south-sudan-s-women-appeal-for-opportunities/7768374.html

A photo of participants attending to presentations during the event. Photo; SSBC/Mayen

A photo of participants attending to presentations during the event. Photo; SSBC/Mayen

In a strategic effort to create a more inclusive environment for women’s leadership and political participation, the National Press Club-South Sudan, with support from the Peacebuilding Fund through UN Women, launched an awareness campaign to challenge anti-women narratives. Held on August 29, 2024, the event brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the state government, parliament, women’s caucus, civil society, youth, chiefs, persons with disabilities, and residents of Malakal.

The discussions highlighted the crucial need to empower women and acknowledge their contributions, with several references made to their active role during the liberation movement. Hon. James, representing the deputy governor, recounted the significant involvement of women during that time, notably in the formation of Katiba Bannat, where women provided shelter and care for the injured. He stressed the importance of education, open dialogue, and support for women’s rights, urging men to uphold the 35% representation for women as outlined in the peace agreement. Hon. James also underscored the necessity of women’s participation in politics and governance, calling for a more inclusive approach to state leadership.

Ms. Nyaruon Gabriel, field officer for the National Press Club, highlighted the lack of investment in girls’ education within local communities. She emphasized that educating girls is fundamental to cultivating future women leaders.

Deng Michael Yor, paramount chief of Malakal County, echoed the call for greater support for women’s aspirations, urging the government, UN agencies, and international organizations to play a role in empowering women. He further challenged women to pursue education, stressing that knowledge is a powerful tool that could raise women’s representation beyond the current 35%, potentially reaching 50%.

The spokesperson for the women’s caucus in the state parliament emphasized the need to nurture young girls’ talents and leadership potential. She advocated for the development of training programs and workshops to enhance women’s leadership skills and increase awareness of the vital role women play in politics.

Throughout the event, different speakers delivered powerful messages, urging men to see women as equal partners in all spheres of life—whether at home, in the community, or on the national stage. They highlighted the indispensable contributions women make to society and encouraged women to take responsibility for pursuing their rights, while calling on men to abandon harmful stereotypes and traditional perceptions. Women were also encouraged to prioritize education and personal development.

This campaign reached about 70 stakeholders in Malakal, marking an important step toward ensuring greater participation and leadership for women in Malakal and in South Sudan’s political and social progress.

Participants sited, and attending to a presentation during the campaign. Photo SSBC Malakal/Mayen

Participants sited, and attending to a presentation during the campaign. Photo SSBC Malakal/Mayen

Participants sited, and attending to a presentation during the campaign. Photo SSBC Malakal/Mayen

Posts

Empowering Women: Promoting Women’s Political Participation in South Sudan

Promoting Women’s Legitimacy: Countering Anti-Women Narratives in Malakal