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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

Women as Leaders: Countering Anti-Women Narratives

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In a powerful move to challenge anti-women narratives and stereotypes that undermine women’s legitimacy as leaders, the National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS), supported by the Peacebuilding Fund through UN Women, held a landmark event on September 13, 2024. This awareness campaign brought together a diverse range of stakeholders, including representatives from national and state governments, youth organizations, women’s associations, persons with disabilities, and the media. The gathering served as a platform for sharing experiences, presenting data, and discussing critical issues, with a strong focus on dismantling the structural and cultural barriers that limit women’s active participation in politics and peace-building.

Dr. Rukaya Muhammed, Acting Country Director for UN Women South Sudan, opened the event by highlighting the damaging effects of narratives undermining women’s leadership. “These narratives are not just harmful, they are detrimental to our collective progress,” she stated, emphasizing the significant contributions women make to society. Dr. Rukaya pointed out that deep-rooted cultural beliefs and systemic inequalities often portray women as less capable or unworthy of leadership roles. To counter these misconceptions, she stressed that “When women lead, society thrives, and whatever you put in the hands of women succeeds, because they have the well-being of the people at heart.” She called on South Sudanese citizens to challenge these outdated views, underscoring that research consistently shows diverse and inclusive leadership leads to better decision-making and more inclusive policies.

In her remarks, Dr. Rukaya also urged the media to portray women and men equally, promoting gender-sensitive reporting and telling stories of women who are breaking barriers in fields such as ICT, engineering, and leadership across the private and public sectors.

As part of her strategic approach to women’s empowerment, Dr. Rukaya highlighted the critical role of education, confidence-building, and collaboration with men. “When a woman is educated, she is better positioned to secure a job, enter politics, or even establish her own political party,” she said, adding that young women need mentorship, inspiration, and the belief in their own potential to take on leadership roles. She encouraged young women to start their political careers early, even as volunteers, stating, “Women are leaders” and should not seek validation from others.

Dr. Rukaya also emphasized the importance of including men in the empowerment process, stating that “empowering women cannot happen in isolation from men, who are critical allies and assets.” She urged men to view women as equals, reminding them to see women as daughters, sisters, mothers, and aunts.

Reaffirming UN Women’s commitment, Dr. Rukaya declared, “UN Women stands firm in supporting South Sudan on its journey toward gender equality and democratic governance.” She emphasized the organization’s dedication to working with partners to strengthen legal frameworks that ensure an enabling environment for women to lead and thrive.

Hon. Elizabeth Enoka, representing the Deputy Governor, encouraged women to assert their rights and stand firm in their efforts to move the country in the right direction. She addressed the issue of women sometimes perpetuating anti-women narratives by underestimating their own potential, urging them to defend their abilities. Hon. Enoka further challenged women for undermining each other, particularly when vying for political positions, and called on them to support one another. She also encouraged young women to join political parties where female leadership is underrepresented, noting it might be easier to achieve high positions in such settings.

Hon. Henry Kala Sabuni, representing the HeForShe movement, emphasized that women prioritize the nation’s well-being, while men often focus on personal gain. He called on women to take bold steps and champion positive leadership, acknowledging their tireless work and integrity. “I have never witnessed a corrupt female leader,” he remarked, further validating women’s contributions to peace-building and governance.

The awareness campaign delved into the traditional and structural roots of stereotypes and anti-women narratives, challenging their existence and fostering a more supportive environment for women’s leadership. It marked a significant step toward creating a more inclusive, peaceful, and prosperous society in South Sudan.

Stakeholders gathered for a group photo during the campaign event; group1. Photo; NPC/Moses

Stakeholders gathered for a group photo during the campaign event; group2. Photo; NPC/Moses

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

NPC-SS Conducts a Workshop for Journalist Peer-to-Peer Network

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Yambio, June 21, 2024 – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) successfully organized a one-day Peer to Peer network Workshop in Yambio, Western Equatoria State.  The event focused on the theme: “Advancing Freedom of Expression, Media Rights, and Access to Information for South Sudanese Citizens.”

Supported by USAID through IREX, More than fifteen participants from Civil Society, Journalists, Secondary School students, Persons with disabilities, Women, and Youth participated in the workshop. Mr. Zingbondo J. Emmanuel, Director General of the State Ministry of Information and Communication, expressed gratitude to NPC-SS and IREX for organizing the inclusive event in Yambio. “This training marks a significant milestone, especially with the inclusion of persons with disabilities, Chiefs, and members of civil society,” he remarked, to enhance access to information, it is crucial to bring together such diverse groups, he added.

Mr. Emmanuel reiterated the State Ministry of Information’s commitment to promoting Media Freedom in Western Equatoria. He urged media development partners to continue their support, emphasizing that the State Government alone cannot fully support journalists and media workers in the region.

Addressing journalists, Mr. Emmanuel stressed the importance of ethical standards in delivering reliable and accurate information, particularly as South Sudan prepares for elections and constitution-making processes. He expressed confidence that partnerships with organizations like NPC-SS, with support from USAID and IREX, will foster positive developments in the media landscape.

Mr. Ochaya James, Executive Director of the National Press Club, highlighted that the workshop aimed to empower and create platforms for information dissemination across Western Equatoria and beyond. Acknowledging the collaboration between citizens, state leadership, and media development partners, Mr. James affirmed NPC-SS’s vision for an enabling environment for journalists and media workers.

Flora Gume, the NPC-SS focal person in Yambio, expressed gratitude to NPC-SS, IREX, and USAID for prioritizing journalists and stakeholders in Yambio. She emphasized the workshop’s potential to empower citizens in using media to bolster democracy and access to information.

Gume encouraged journalists to leverage the training to enhance their capabilities in educating, informing, and entertaining society.

Participants pose for group photo

NPC-SS Commemorates World Press Freedom Day (WPFD); Advocates for Independent Media in South Sudan

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Juba, May 8, 2024 – The National Press Club-South Sudan (NPC-SS) has successfully concluded a momentous event in honor of World Press Freedom Day on May 6. Under the theme “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of Environmental Crisis,” the event, supported by USAID through IREX, brought together a diverse group of over thirty participants from esteemed institutions such as the University of Juba, Stafford International University, and MDI, as well as representatives from secondary schools, civil society, the media, and strategic partners.

The occasion was marked by compelling speeches from notable figures, including the esteemed Dean of the School of Journalism, Media, and Communication Studies at the University of Juba, Dr. Rebecca Lorins who highlighted the university’s unwavering commitment to producing competent journalists despite the challenges posed by limited press freedom in South Sudan. She called upon media organizations and partners to join forces with the institution in pursuit of this noble goal.
Recognizing the harsh realities faced by journalists; IREX representative, Linet Omwange acknowledged the precarious nature of press freedom in South Sudan where journalists grapple with constant threats, intimidation, and pervasive censorship. However, she emphasized the transformative power of accessible media, stating, “Accessible media should serve as a secure space for civil society and a platform for freedom of expression for human rights defenders.” She further emphasized the significance of radio and audio formats in local languages as effective channels for education, particularly considering the high illiteracy rates in South Sudan.
In a rallying call to emerging journalists, she urged them to remain steadfast in providing accurate information on the pressing issue of the environmental crisis, both within South Sudan and beyond.
Meanwhile, the USAID Director for Democracy and Governance underscored the importance of commemorating World Press Freedom Day, asserting that press freedom stands as a vital pillar of democracy. “Press freedom is one of the strongest foundations of a robust democracy,” he declared, emphasizing that without press freedom, a viable democracy cannot thrive.
Driven by a shared vision, NPC-SS, along with support from IREX, UNESCO, and other valued partners, remains steadfast in its commitment to establishing a resilient, sustainable, and independent media landscape in South Sudan.
During a panel discussion, Josephine Achiro, Chairperson of AMDISS, expressed her profound gratitude for the opportunity presented to students, stating, “This is an unprecedented chance that I never had during my university days. Today, I am elated because as students, you have access to this invaluable knowledge at an early stage.”

She encouraged all participants to harness the information gained during the event to elevate their journalism  practice and make a lasting impact.

Participants pose for group photo

Participants attending to presentation

NPC-SS concludes Two-day Workshop for C.E.S Parliamentarians

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Juba, March 29, 2024 -The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) successfully concluded a two-day capacity-building workshop for CES parliamentarians aimed to enhance the parliamentarians’ understanding of media laws, freedom of expression, access to information, safety, and role of journalists.

The workshop, held under the theme “Together we build a Pluralistic and Independent Media presence in South Sudan,” covered various topics including international and national legal frameworks for freedom of expression and media, limitations on freedom of expression, human rights, journalism ethics, safety of journalists (with a focus on female journalists), and digital safety.
During the closing session, Hon. Benjamin Satiro, representative of Male participants expressed gratitude to NPC-SS and UNESCO for organizing the training, emphasizing the relevance of the acquired knowledge. The female participants also appreciated the workshop, stating that it provided valuable insights they were previously unaware of.
The Chairperson of Information for CES TLA acknowledged the workshop’s benefits, requesting that similar trainings be extended to leaders at both the state and national levels.
Hon. Peter Wani, the speaker of CES TLA, expressed gratitude for the knowledge gained and urged NPC-SS and UNESCO to arrange further workshops and trainings outside the country to empower stakeholders and citizens of Central Equatoria State and South Sudan.
The workshop attended by about 30 parliamentarians, was highly productive and effective due to active participation from participants and the expertise of notable individuals such as Justice James Alala, Prof. Chaplain Kara, and others.

NPC-SS, with support from UNESCO and other stakeholders, will continue organizing workshops and events to establish a pluralistic and independent media presence in South Sudan.

Participants attending to presentation

Participants attending to presentation

NPC-SS opens Two-day workshop for C.E.S Parliamentarians

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Juba, March 27, 2024 – The National Press Club-South Sudan (NPC-SS) has started a two-day Capacity-building workshop for Central Equatoria State Parliamentarians.

Supported by UNESCO, the event aimed at developing the capacity of state lawmakers on Freedom of Expression, Access to Information, Safety of Journalists, and understanding of the Role of Journalists.
During the opening, UNESCO’s country representative, Mr. Julius Banda said “Freedom of Expression is the drive of all the development goals.” He challenged the lawmakers to ensure their laws were consistent and based on international standards.
Julius lamented that the largest number of children are out of school, saying, “In South Sudan, we have an ironic education; more children are at home than in school,” adding that 2.2 million children attend school while 2.8 million are out of school.
On his part the speaker of the CES parliament lauded UNESCO and NPC-SS for making the trainings possible. He challenged the participants to pay keen attention to the training and use the knowledge to benefit the people of Central Equatoria State and South Sudan.
The speaker also called upon UNESCO and NPC-SS to continue funding and organizing the invaluable trainings.
Bullen Kenyi Wani, NPC-SS Chairperson emphasized the essence of training law makers and law enforcers on media freedom, adding that NPC-SS with support from UNESCO and other stakeholders is committed to making such relevant trainings possible, especially as the country prepare for it’s elections.

The two-day workshop which brought together 30 Hon. Members would end on March 28, 2024 after an indepth facilitation from experts such as Prof. Chaplain Kara Yakoju and Justice Justin Alala.

Workshop for CES parliamentarians, Participants’ group photo

Workshop for CES parliamentarians, Participants attending to presentations