Women in Unity State Call for Stronger Role in Election Processes

(UNITY) – South Sudanese women in Unity State are increasingly raising their voices to demand greater inclusion in peace building and governance, despite the social and cultural barriers they continue to face.

Years of conflict and entrenched patriarchal norms have limited women’s participation in public decision making, with early marriages, widespread gender based violence and exclusion from leadership spaces still prevalent. Yet many women, especially younger ones, are taking bold steps to challenge this status quo.

Among them is Elizabeth Nyatab, a young teacher and grassroots advocate who encourages families to educate their daughters.

“Without schooling, it will be difficult also for future generations of women to play prominent roles in decision making,” she said. “We have no choice but to break the cultural norms that confine many of us to the domestic sphere.”

Nyatab was one of several women leaders from local authorities, civil society, and state institutions who gathered recently in Unity State for a series of dialogues facilitated by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). The discussions were part of a week long civic engagement programme held in Bentiu, Rubkona, and Rotriak/Lalop.

The women presented ideas and findings from local consultations on how to strengthen women’s meaningful involvement in peace and security efforts. The dialogues also focused on South Sudan’s long-awaited first elections since independence, expected during the current transition period.

Participants shared a mix of hope and concern. Some viewed the elections as a potential step toward lasting stability and political legitimacy. Others, however, raised worries about ongoing insecurity, limited freedoms and divisions within political and security institutions.

Angelina Nyawuora Turoal, former Chairperson of a civil society network in Rubkona, called for key reforms ahead of the elections.

“If our country wants credible elections, political detainees must be released and the army united under one national command,” she said. “Conditions for the free and fair participation for all are also essential for this dream to come true.”

The week of engagement was organised by the UNMISS Civil Affairs Division with support from its Electoral Affairs team. Civil Affairs Officer Alexandre Marie Rose Fernande Alexandre, who was part of the facilitation team, emphasised the importance of turning words into actions.

“This week of conversations made it clear that women, on the rise and challenging norms in Unity State and elsewhere, must have their voices heard. And there is more, because their words need to be acted on as well,” she said.