South Sudan has made notable progress in promoting women’s political participation under international, regional, and sub-regional frameworks.
The adoption of a 35% gender quota under the 2018 Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) represents a significant step forward. Women now occupy 32% of ministerial positions and 26% of Council of States seats. Their involvement in negotiations, increasing from two signatories in the 2015 ARCSS to seven in the 2018 R-ARCSS, demonstrates growing political inclusion.
However, systemic barriers remain. Women are often limited to “feminine” ministries and face societal, institutional, and structural challenges such as exploitation, corruption, weak implementation frameworks, and exclusion of marginalized groups, including young women and women with disabilities. Socioeconomic factors such as early marriage, limited financial resources, and lack of political networks further constrain their participation.
In Equatoria and Bahr el Ghazal regions, and other rural areas these challenges are pronounced, with high illiteracy rates, deeply rooted traditional and religious norms, and limited access to voter and civic education.
oung women, particularly those aged 18-32, face unique obstacles, including insufficient leadership training, lack of mentorship, and inadequate access to civic education. These barriers undermine their potential to engage in transformative political roles, perpetuating their underrepresentation in decision-making processes.
Looking forward to addressing gaps by empowering young women in civil society and politics, enhancing their leadership skills, fostering mentorship, and promoting gender-inclusive political participation in the coming elections. Government institutions and international bodies need to look into the gaps so that women may have rights in decision-making in the rule of law and under human rights.
More efforts are needed to promote gender equity and improve the overall health brain outcomes for women across the country are essential and also addressing challenges such as gender inequity, poverty, and economic hardships in the country.
Women should have the charisma to stand cases of sexual harassment (sexual gender violence), it can create a healthier and more equitable future. South Sudan should try hard to empower young women to represent them nationwide.
In this country, some strong women can inspire more womenfolk and youth to stand the race for justice and to avoid being mistreated by the other gender in the communities.
I appeal to the government and international Organizations to support young women who are community change-makers in Nation-building by empowering them.
God Protect South Sudan.
Be the spectator.