By Dogga Luwo
Over 50 Female Members of Parliament from the Revitalised Transitional Legislative National Assembly (RTNLA), Council of States, Central Equatoria State (CES) and representatives from the both National and CES State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare gathered in Juba from 7th to 9th May 2025, to benefit from a transformative training workshop under the Empowered Women Influence (EWI) Project.
The workshop was organized by PAX for Peace and fully funded by German Federal Foreign Officer (GFFO), of the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany.
The initiative aims to enhance the legislative capabilities of women lawmakers, particularly in areas crucial on the welfare of South Sudan, including family law and anti-gender-based violence.
Key to the training was strengthening their skills on the lobbying and advocacy on National and ratified International legal frameworks to contribute to mitigating gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality in the country. Noteworthily, the participants are the second cohort of Female Parliamentarians of the program in its second year since the onset of the implementation last year and reiterating a growing commitment to amplifying women’s voices in influencing legislation. The focus was on equipping these leaders with the skills necessary to effectively lobby for and draft legislation that addresses pressing societal issues.
The Country Director of PAX for Peace in South Sudan, Emmanuel Ira, urged participants to not only draft Laws but also ensure their implementation. “For us to progress as a country, we need to have good Laws”. He emphasised the gap between enacted Laws and their enforcement, and he further, challenged lawmakers to critically assess why certain Laws, like those ensuring free education for girls, remain unenforced. Additionally, he articulated the importance of proactive legislative action, stating, “If you don’t promote it, nobody is going to bring it forward.” Moreover, he stressed the role of legislators in identifying gaps in existing laws and advocating for necessary reforms. “You are carrying the big burden of the whole country in terms of legislating Laws to be abided by all in the country.”
On her part, the Project Officer of PAX for the EWI Project, Ms. Martina Kani, highlighted the significance of collaboration among lawmakers and civil society. “We need to expand our capacity and raise awareness on different topics,” she asserted, emphasizing the need for lawmakers to engage with various stakeholders in the drafting process.
Remarkably, the training facilitator of the workshop, Counsel Amanya Joseph, appreciated the dedication and commitment rendered by the legislators for the three days, and further, encouraged participants to view civil society not as enemies but as allies in the legislative process. Importantly, Amaya, urged the lawmakers to consult with legal experts and community organizations to enhance the quality of proposed bills.
The participants expressed their gratitude for the training, noting its impact on their legislative skills. The Central Equatoria State Parliamentarian for Lainya Country, Hon. Dusman Joyce James Lesuk, extended her gratitude to the organisers of this workshop because she can now draft a private bill for motion, and has acquired skills on how to lobby her colleagues to support a future bill for legislation.”
Moreover, the Chairperson of the Women Caucus of RTNLA and Parliamentarian and representing Western Equatoria State, Honourable Viola Samuel Seti, echoed the urgent need for legislation addressing child trafficking, underscoring the importance of protecting vulnerable populations.
While, Honourable Simon Malou Deng, representing Lakes States in RTNLA, highlighted the training’s relevance to pressing issues such as high dowry payments, which contributes to societal challenges in South Sudan. Furthermore, Hon. Simon attested to how the training has benefited them as legislators, and he is optimistic about the potential to cause a legislative change RTNLA.
The workshop concluded with the participants feeling empowered and strengthened to take on the legislative challenges facing South Sudan. Their commitment to fostering a robust legal framework that protects and promotes the rights of women and children stands as a testament to the transformative potential of such initiatives. Thus, South Sudan’s female lawmakers are poised to influence positive change, driving the agenda for a more equitable and just society.
PAX Country Director, extended his gratitude to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, whose financial support made the workshop possible.