Women’s Forum Seeks Bigger Role in Governance in South Sudan

(JUBA) – Women leaders and activists in South Sudan have concluded a major forum aimed at increasing female participation in politics and decision making.

Earlier, on 19 June, a coalition of civil society groups issued an urgent call for action to end conflict related sexual violence across the country.

The South Sudan Women in Politics Forum took place at Palm Africa Hotel in Juba.

It was organised by Voice for Change and the South Sudan Women’s Empowerment Network, known as SSWEN, together with the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Political Affairs Division.

The two day gathering brought together women leaders, political party representatives, policymakers and emerging women leaders from across the nation.

The forum was officially opened by Prof. Julie Aker Duany. She spoke about the importance of women’s leadership and inclusive governance.

The event was closed by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Hon. Atong Kuol Manyang. She reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering women and young leaders to play an active role in shaping the future of South Sudan.

Participants used the platform for networking, mentorship and dialogue.

According to a press release by SSWEN, They developed practical strategies to advance women’s political representation and leadership AND renewed their commitment to working together to overcome barriers and to create a more inclusive political landscape where women can fully exercise their leadership potential.

SSWEN expressed thanks to all participants, partners, facilitators and guests for making the forum a success. The network stated that it will continue to champion a future where women’s voices are heard, valued and represented at every level of leadership.

In related news on 19 June, the Joint Consultation Forum on Conflict Related Sexual Violence (JCF) met in Juba to mark the International Day for the Elimination of Sexual Violence in Conflict. The meeting was held under the theme “Healing through Solidarity and Peace: Ending Conflict Related Sexual Violence in South Sudan.”

The JCF warned that conflict related sexual violence remains a devastating weapon of war across South Sudan. Women, girls, men and boys face increased risks during periods of displacement and insecurity.

Survivors endure stigma, discrimination and barriers to accessing their rights and essential services. Children born of conflict related rape face challenges related to identity and civil status documentation.

The group said a fragile justice system and entrenched patriarchal norms perpetuate impunity. This, the group noted, undermines the sustainable peace envisioned in the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R ARCSS).

Members of the JCF and partners reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening accountability through survivor centred justice pathways, investigations, prosecutions and legal aid services.

They also pledged to provide livelihood skills training and economic empowerment opportunities to foster resilience and sustainable recovery for survivors and committed to engaging traditional and religious leaders to challenge harmful social norms and to foster the acceptance and reintegration of survivors.

They also vowed to promote the rights, protection and inclusion of children born of wartime rape, including access to identity documentation, services and opportunities.

The forum called on the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity (RTGoNU) to take the lead in preventing and responding to conflict related sexual violence, with support from international partners, civil society and communities.

Specific calls were made for the government to pass and implement key laws that strengthen the protection of women, children and survivors of violence.

These include the Anti GBV Bill, the Family Law Bill, the Women’s Empowerment Bill, the Gender Equality Bill and laws that clearly criminalise conflict related sexual violence.

Further demands were made for the government to strengthen justice and accountability mechanisms to ensure perpetrators are investigated and prosecuted.

The group also called for survivor voices to be included in peace dialogues and mediation processes. It urged the government to embed protection measures and early warning systems into all peacebuilding efforts.

Timely financial and logistical support for survivor focused initiatives was also requested. The JCF encouraged continued dialogue on strengthening the legal and policy framework dealing with conflict related sexual violence, including measures that respond to the specific nature and consequences of such crimes.

The signatories to the statement included AWA Africa (Active Women Arise Africa), Christian Rehabilitation Services, Empowering Women and Girls (EWG), FIDA South Sudan (Federation of Women Lawyers South Sudan), the South Sudan Council of Churches, the Community Organisation for Peace and Development Initiative, Rural Development Action Aid (RDAA), the Road to Economic Development Organisation (REDO), the South Sudan Islamic Council, Women and Equity, SSWEN, Women Frontline Doctors and the Human Appeal Development Organization (HADO).

Together the groups said they envision a South Sudan where survivors of conflict related sexual violence are economically empowered, socially embraced and actively contributing to peace and development.

They described a nation where perpetrators are held accountable, survivors are recognised as agents of change and co creators of peace, and communities are rebuilt on the foundations of justice, dignity and equality.