The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) is dedicated to advancing women’s empowerment by utilizing radio talk shows as a strategic campaign tool. Through this approach, NPC-SS aims to raise awareness about women’s leadership, political participation, and involvement in peacebuilding efforts.

In South Sudan, young women encounter numerous challenges that restrict their participation in public life and decision-making processes. These challenges are often deeply embedded in cultural and social norms, where early marriage is frequently prioritized over educational opportunities for girls. The radio talk show addresses these critical barriers to women’s participation, including societal expectations, cultural limitations, and structural obstacles.

Reflecting on a baseline study conducted by NPC-SS to assess the quality and quantity of women’s participation in decision-making roles within national and state parliaments, the talk show delves into the reasons for the under-representation of women. The study identified key factors such as the patriarchal system and cultural barriers that confine women to household responsibilities, limiting their political engagement. Additionally, the lack of skills, knowledge, and confidence compared to their male counterparts further hinders their political involvement.

On the “Sundown Show” program aired on Eye Radio in August 19, 2024, Yar Ajak hosted a discussion featuring prominent guests including: Hon. Helen Ngaidok, a member of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly; Ms. Suzan Nafisia, manager of UniPod at the University of Juba; and Chief Emmanuel Juma, administrator of Dolo Payam.

Hon. Helen Ngaidok highlighted several factors that impede women’s participation in politics, such as low educational levels and early marriages. She lamented that many women in leadership roles, particularly in parliament, are either widows or single mothers who were appointed after the deaths of their husbands who were parliamentarians. She pointed out that married women often face resistance from their husbands, who feel threatened by their involvement in politics. Helen stressed the need for the government to implement the 35% affirmative action, ensuring that women have their own positions rather than filling in for their deceased husbands.

Chief Emmanuel Juma added that traditionally, girls were forced into marriage and discouraged from pursuing education. He emphasized the importance of equal empowerment, advocating for mutual understanding between husbands and wives to enable women to pursue their leadership and political ambitions.

Ms. Suzan Nafisia discussed the traditionally perceived triple roles of women, which include reproduction, social work within the community, and family care. She noted that these roles significantly limit women’s ambitions, as societal perceptions often restrict them to these duties. Nafisia also pointed out that the media’s portrayal of women exacerbates these challenges, as they are often represented based on these traditional roles. Derogatory phrases like “ita mara sakit” (meaning “you are just a woman”) or “you have someone to depend on” contribute to women feeling inferior, making them hesitant to take on public roles. Nafisia emphasized that decisions made by women are always fair and effective as they tend to prioritize the needs of the community.

The talk show was further enhanced by the comments and questions from the listenners, an indicator of the increasing reach of the strategy.

The NPC-SS is currently implementing a project titled “Women’s Leadership and Political Participation during South Sudan’s Transition Period,” funded by the Peace Building Fund through UN Women. The project includes various activities such as awareness campaigns, mentorship sessions, stakeholder workshops, and the aforementioned radio talk show, all aimed at empowering women and enhancing their participation in leadership and political processes

Guests in the studio of Eye Radio Photo, Eye radio

Guests pose for photo at the compund of Eye radio Photo, NPC-SS/Moses A. Edward