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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.

NPC-SS Hosts Radio Talk Shows to Promote Women’s Political Participation

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Juba, South Sudan – The National Press Club South Sudan (NPC-SS), with support from the Peacebuilding Fund through UN Women, has been conducting a series of radio talk shows on Eye Radio to enhance public awareness on women’s participation in politics and leadership before and after the upcoming South Sudan elections.

The talk shows aired on Friday, March 14, and Friday, March 28, 2025, from 4:00 to 5:00 PM, featuring discussions on critical themes such as Women’s Political Participation and Leadership and Breaking Barriers: Transforming Women’s Participation.

The programs brought together a panel of distinguished guests, including: Ms. Nyayo Rejoice and Ms. Agnes Dramio Martin – Students of law from the University of Juba, Mr. Mandre Joel Smith – from National Transitional Leadership Initiative, Molana Merio Jimmy – Legal expert on and lecturer at Ccatholic Univeristy, Ms. Jackline John, staff at the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, and Hon. Henry Kala – chairperson of Central Equatoria State’s independent commission for reconciliation.

Joined with radio listeners and online followers, the discussions focused on various key issues, including: The Importance of Women in Leadership and the benefits of gender inclusivity; Barriers to Women’s Political Participation and the challenges they face in leadership roles; The Role of Men in Supporting Women’s Political Leadership; Women Against Women – how internal biases and competition hinder progress; Bridging the Gender Gap – fostering collaboration between men and women in governance; Culture and Women’s Leadership – examining how traditional beliefs impact women’s leadership potential

Speaking during the shows, Ms. Agnes Dramio Martin emphasized that women’s involvement in politics is crucial for national development. “A society that excludes women from leadership is limiting its own growth. Women bring unique perspectives that enhance governance and peacebuilding,” she stated. Similarly, Hon. Jackline John shared her personal experiences in overcoming challenges as a woman in politics “We must break the stereotypes that politics is a man’s space. Women are capable leaders, and their voices must be heard,” she said.

The radio series aims to encourage more women to participate in leadership while challenging societal norms that limit their political engagement. The initiative has received positive feedback from listeners, sparking conversations across communities about gender inclusivity in governance. NPC-SS and its partners plan to continue engaging the public through media platforms to promote a more inclusive political landscape in South Sudan.

 

Guests at Eye Radio studios during a talk show on March 28, 2025 Photo: Eye Radio/ Staff

Guests at Eye Radio during a talk show on March 21, 2025 Photo: Eye Radio/ Staff

Guests at Radio Miraya during a talk show on March 17, 2025 Phot: Radio Miraya/ Staff

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