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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 She called on South Sudanese citizens to challenge these outdated views, underscoring that research consistently shows diverse and inclusive leadership leads to better decision-making and more inclusive policies.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

Empowering Women: Mentoring Young Women for a Sound Leadership

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On a race to build young women for sound and sustainable leadership roles, the National Press Club – South Sudan (NPC-SS) channeled a one-day mentorship workshop for young women in Juba. The event richly focused on moistening young women’s leadership, political participation, decision-making, and peace-building ambitions, and preparing them for strategic leadership

Hon. Joseph Kido, Director General of the Ministry of Peace Building, stressed the importance of mentorship session in enabling young women to discover their potential as change agents. He underscored the need to expanding the spectrum of mentorship to a nationwide program in order to help young women join political parties effectively.

Mrs. Delphina Roba, NPC deputy chair lamented on the low representation of women in both state and national governments. “There is only one female governor in the ten states and no Area administrator in the three administrative areas.” Roba said. According to her, mentoring the young women would advance gender equality agenda and address the challenges of violence against women in politics and leadership.

The one-day mentorship event directly impacted over 15 young women who are exposed to substantial challenges while pursuing leadership and political participation at national and state parliaments, academic institutions, and civil society.

NPC-SS engaged prominent and active women leaders such as Hon. Lona James Elia, Justice Ajonye, and Hon. Jackline Gaza to mentor the young women on relevant aspects. These mentors devoted significant time to expound on their experiences and knowledge, tackling both public and private lifestyle which is invaluable for the young women.

After the session, participants admitted being empowered to overcome the challenges limiting their political and leadership ambitions. Hon. Diana Richard Wani, a member of Central Equatoria State parliament said she had faced considerable intimidation from her male partners which pushed her to think of abandoning politics.  Another participant, Ms. Nancy Akanyo, a literature teacher at St. Lawrence Academy who has been living with the concept that politics is a dirty gam expressed interest in joining politics. “I was wrong all along,” Akanyo confessed.

The mentorship session which was organized by NPC-SS with support from Peace-building Fund through UN Women marked a new life for the young women’s polical and leadership ambitions.

Hon. Joseph Kido, Director General of the Ministry of Peace Building; Mrs. Delphina Roba, NPC deputy chair; Hon. Lona James; Hon. Nyanachiew and participants in a group photo. Photo Credit: NPC/Moses Ayume

Young Women and facilitators during the Mentorship session. Photo credit; NPC/Moses

Empowering Women: A New Dawn for Malakal’s Leadership

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In a stride towards gender equality in political empowerment, the National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS) held a project inception meeting in Malakal. The team, comprising Director Ochaya James and Malakal Field Officer Ms. Nyaroun Gabriel, engaged with Upper Nile State authorities, including the Women Parliamentary Caucus, the Chief Whip of the state legislative assembly, and representatives from various political parties.

Hon. Naoma John Chol, the State Legislative Assembly Chief Whip and acting Chairperson for the Upper Nile State Women Parliamentary Caucus, welcomed the team with enthusiasm. She expressed gratitude to UN Women and NPC for selecting Malakal as a beneficiary of the “Women’s Leadership and Political Participation during South Sudan’s Transition Period” project. “Women are the most marginalized and underrepresented in key leadership spaces, the project shall serve as an eye-opener for the women of Upper Nile State, encouraging them to claim their spaces at all levels of government.” Hon. Noama said.

Hon. Pal Ruach Duoth, Deputy Speaker of Upper Nile State Legislative Assembly, affirmed the state leadership’s commitment to supporting the project. Acknowledging the challenges limiting women’s representation in government, including language barriers, lack of capacity building, and limited awareness, he underscored promoting active and meaningful participation of women in the political decision-making process.

Ms. Nyaroun Gabriel highlighted the project’s goals, which seeks to address structural barriers to women’s inclusion, provide technical support to women leaders, candidates, and women-led Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and promote collective gender equality advancement among all stakeholders. “We aim to raise awareness of women’s leadership and political participation through government, media, and CSOs,” Ms. Gabriel said.

Executive Director, Ochaya James expressed gratitude to the leadership of Upper Nile State for the warm reception. He reiterated NPC’s commitment to ongoing engagement with different stakeholders throughout the project’s implementation. “The spirit of cooperation is essential for us to achieve the objectives of this project. Together we can realize the agenda of just governance in Upper Nile State.” James said.

The inception meeting marks a fruitful beginning of a women empowerment project funded by Peace-building Fund through UN Women in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

Hon. Naoma (C), Nyaroun Gabriel(L), and James Ochaya(R) during project inception meeting in Malakal. Photo; Office manager

Members of inception meeting in a group photo. Photo; office manager, Women Parliamentary Caucus

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

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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

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

Stakeholder Workshop: Creating a Conducive Environment for Women’s Leadership

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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

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.

NPC-SS Executive Director among high-level delegates to Liberia.

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Mr. James Ochaya Philip, executive director of National Press Club-South Sudan,  was among the South Sudan delegation on a mission to Monrovia, Liberia.

The mission was organized and spearheaded by the United Nations Women (UN Women) aimed to engage delegates in several learning activities; meeting different Liberian counterparts on the Transitional Reform Process and election, among others.
The high-level delegation has drawn participants from various institutions including the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (NTLA), Academia, Women Block, Civil Society, and the Media.
NPC-SS in the personality of the executive director, Mr. Ochaya is among the media organizations nominated by UN Women to join the mission.
NPC-SS with other partners will continue to exert efforts in building an independent, Pluralistic, and robust Media Presence in South Sudan while advancing the gender agenda.

First published on March 26, 2024

Ochaya(L) and other delgates posing for a photo