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NPC-SS Strengthens Stakeholder Engagement to Advance Women’s Leadership

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Pibor, April 21, 2025 – The National Press Club South Sudan has continued to push for more grassroots support to its activities in Pibor. As part of the ongoing efforts under the “Women’s Leadership and Political Participation during South Sudan’s Transition Period” project, funded by the Peacebuilding Fund through UN Women, Mr. Poverty Alfred (Pat Alfric), technical expert and Board member of the National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS), continues to lead meaningful stakeholder engagement in the Pibor Administrative Area.

Today, April 21, Mr. Alfred held a constructive meeting with Mr. Jonshir, Program Manager at Pibor Radio, and Mrs. Ruth Korok, a highly respected area chief and one of the most prominent female leaders in the community. Mrs. Ruth, who has served in her role for the past three years, is widely regarded as a trailblazer and role model for young women in Pibor. During the meeting, she highlighted how her leadership has contributed to amplifying women’s voices and strengthening female representation in local decision-making. “When young women see themselves in leadership, they begin to believe in their own potential. That’s what drives me,” said Chief Ruth.

Building on these community partnerships, Mr. Alfred, alongside NPC-SS’s Pibor Field Officer, will facilitate a mentorship session for young women on April 22. The session will provide a platform for emerging female leaders to gain insights, build confidence, and engage in dialogue with experienced role models.

In another key milestone, NPC-SS will officially launch a Girls’ Leadership Club at Riojakor Secondary School on Thursday, April 24. The club will serve as a hub for leadership development, mentorship, and civic education, aiming to empower the next generation of female leaders in Pibor and beyond.

These activities reflect NPC-SS’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, inclusive governance, and the creation of safe spaces for young women to lead and thrive in South Sudan’s evolving political landscape.

Mr. Poverty Alfred and Mr. Jonshir pose for a photo in the studios of Pibor Radio.

Mr. Alfred, NPC-SS technical advisor, and Mrs. Ruth, female chief pose for a photo at Ruth’s residency.

NPC-SS Board Member Arrives in Pibor to Boost Women’s Leadership Project

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Pibor,  Friday, March 18, 2025– The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) continues to strengthen its grassroots efforts with the arrival of Mr. Poverty Alfred, NPC-SS Technical Advisor and Member of the Board of Directors, in the Pibor Administrative Area.

Mr. Alfred’s visit is part of ongoing efforts to ensure the successful implementation of the project titled “Women’s Leadership and Political Participation during South Sudan’s Transition Period,” supported by the Peacebuilding Fund through UN Women. His presence on the ground aims to provide critical technical support, strengthen local engagement, and maximize the impact of the initiative within the Greater Pibor Area (GPA).

In preparation for two major activities scheduled for next week, Mr. Alfred has already held high-level engagements with local authorities. He met with Hon. Nyiinginga Okanho, Commissioner for Peacebuilding, and Hon. James Nikcho, Minister of Information, Communication, and Postal Services–GPA. Both officials expressed enthusiasm about NPC-SS’s growing presence in the area and reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the initiative.

“We are excited to welcome NPC-SS to Pibor. This project aligns with our goals of peacebuilding and inclusive governance,” said Hon. Okanho.

Mr. Alfred noted that such collaboration with local leadership is vital to ensuring that the project’s goals—empowering women to take active roles in political and leadership processes—are fully realized.

“We are here to listen, support, and work with local stakeholders to ensure that this initiative is not just a one-time intervention, but part of a lasting movement for inclusive leadership,” he said.

The upcoming activities including mentorship session for young women and establishment of Girls’ Leadership Club are expected to bring together women leaders, community members, and local government actors to advance dialogue and build capacity around women’s participation in governance during South Sudan’s transition period.

Hon. Nyiinginga Okanho, Chairperson of peacebuilding ommission, and Mr. Poverty Alfred, NPC-SS technical advisor take a photo together.

Hon. James Nikcho, Minister of Information, Communication, and Postal Services (Left) Mr. Poverty Alfred (right), pose for a photo.

Press club to start media coalition to promote gender sensitization

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Originally published by Radio Tamazuj on April 11, 2025.
April 11, 2025 JUBA CITY: The National Press Club (NPC) of South Sudan, in collaboration with several media institutions, on Friday disclosed plans to establish a media coalition to promote gender sensitization and an inclusive media space in the country.

Speaking during a one-day round table dialogue which brought participants from media houses, women, and representatives from various organizations, Delphina Roba, the deputy chairperson of the NPC board, said the purpose of establishing the media coalition group is to address inadequate representation of women voices in the media.

She noted that despite the media being a great tool in shaping opinion in South Sudan, women’s voices remain absent in the media space, assuring that the media coalition group can act as a solution to this gap.

“Media in South Sudan, especially radio, plays a great role in our communities by shaping the opinion of our people and influencing political and social participation,” she stated. “However, there are inadequate women’s voices in the media space, and to address this, NPC, in collaboration with the media stakeholders and gender advocates, proposes the establishment of a media coalition.”

“The coalition will work towards building a more inclusive media environment that involves women and promotes their participation in social, economic, and political life,” Roba added.

The initiative is part of a UN projects and is titled “Women’s Leadership and Political Participation During Transition.”

The roundtable discussion also explored the role of media in shaping women’s public image.

“Through this dialogue and commitments, women’s voices will be respected and represented in the media families,” Roba said. “One of the goals of this roundtable dialogue is to first have a dialogue between media representatives and women activists or leaders on the role of the media and promoting women’s participation. The establishment of a coalition is a strategic step towards transforming the media landscape in South Sudan into an equitable and empowering space.”

For his part, Kido Joseph, the Director General in the National Ministry of Peacebuilding, said it is paramount to ensure that once established, the media coalition should indeed support women to achieve their goals.

“How can the media coalition support our women leaders in politics, business, civil society organizations, grassroots movements, gender, and the development partners achieve their objectives?” he asked.  “The second question is what benefits do governments and organizations gain from having women in leadership positions? Remember, we have keywords today like leadership and political participation. That means that as we envision our elections, we are going to have several young women contesting for key positions, and those who will succeed will also be participating in the political leadership positions.”

Media representatives, women advocates and NPC-SS staff pose for a group photo during the event. Photo by Mr. John Riak/Unipod

Media representatives, women advocates, NPC-SS deputy chair, Mrs. Delphina Roba and Hon. Kido Joseph in a photo during opening remarks. Photo by Mr. John Riak/Unipod

NPC-SS Launches Girls’ Leadership Club: Inspiring Future Women Leaders

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Juba, March 28, 2025 – In a bold step toward advancing gender equality and female leadership, the National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) has launched a Girls’ Leadership Club at St. Lawrence Academy, Hai Refrundum, Juba. The official launch event, held at the school premises, was attended by the student body, school officials, and women leaders.

This milestone initiative is made possible with the generous support of the Peacebuilding Fund through UN Women, aligning with national and global efforts to promote gender equality and women’s empowerment. The establishment of the club marks a pivotal step in NPC-SS’s broader mission to increase the representation of women in leadership and media spaces across South Sudan. The Girls’ Leadership Club was designed as a transformative space where young girls can explore leadership in all its dimensions—from self-awareness and public speaking to civic participation and policy advocacy. Through a series of interactive workshops, mentorship programs, and dialogue sessions, members will be equipped with the confidence and tools they need to envision themselves as leaders in their communities and beyond.

“True change begins with our girls,” said NPC-SS BOD chair. “By investing in their leadership potential today, we are planting the seeds for a more inclusive, equitable, and peaceful future.”

NPC-SS recognizes that sustainable change begins at the grassroots. Through this club, young girls will gain the knowledge, confidence, and leadership skills necessary to participate meaningfully in decision-making processes. As South Sudan continues to build its democratic institutions, the Girls’ Leadership Club stands as a symbol of progress—a platform where future female leaders can grow, be heard, and drive inclusive governance.

This initiative not only fosters leadership but also challenges deep-rooted societal norms, paving the way for a more equitable and representative society.

Nominated leaders, NPC-SS gender advisor Ms. Patricia and BOD chair Mr. Bullen pose for a photo

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Students and Patron Mrs. Nancy, NPC-SS gender advisor, Ms. Patricia and BOD chair Mr. Bullen pose for a group photo after the event.

National Press Club takes talks to universities

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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

 

 

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

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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

Radio Talk Show: A Strategic Campaign Approach

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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

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.