Introduction to Women’s Leadership
The call for more active involvement of women in leadership has taken center stage during a groundbreaking three-day inter-generational dialogue on women’s leadership and political participation, held in Juba. The workshop, spearheaded by UN Women and drawing delegates from across East Africa, highlighted the urgent need for increased female representation in the country’s governance.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The Need for Increased Female Representation
Speaking at the event, Rukaiya Mohammed, the UN Women Country Representative for South Sudan, emphasized that the current transitional period is a crucial window of opportunity for women to assert themselves. “The transition period has been extended for two years, so we say women should not sleep. We should strategize and take advantage of the momentum,” Mohammed urged. Mohammed reinforced the significance of inter-generational collaboration, saying, “The young can walk fast, but the elderly know the road. It is vital for young women to harness the wisdom of the elders, while the elders should value the creativity and energy of the youth.”
Dismantling System!c Barriers
The dialogue brought together influential members of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA) from Kenya, Rwanda, and South Sudan, local parliamentarians, and key civil society organizations. Discussions centered on dismantling systemic barriers and crafting strategic approaches for empowering women to participate more actively in leadership and political processes. Sarah Hendriks, UN Women Policy Director, underscored the power of unity and shared purpose in driving progress. “This inter-generational dialogue has shown us the potential for transformation when women of all ages connect, reflect, and strategize together,” she said.
Empowering Women to Take Up Leadership Roles
Hendriks called for women to assert their rights beyond traditional frameworks. “Leadership happens in many spaces – our homes, communities, houses of worship, marketplaces, and politics. Women must take up their rightful space in every aspect of society.” A powerful voice of encouragement came from Dr. Ann Itto, a member of EALA, who inspired attendees with a clear call to action: “Leadership is your right as citizens, not a privilege granted. Be brave, assertive, and consistent. Do not let anyone tell you that leadership is not for you.” Dr. Itto also advocated for surpassing South Sudan’s constitutional mandate of 35% female representation, setting an ambitious benchmark. “We must move beyond the constitutional 35% representation. Our goal should be 80%,” she declared.
Proactive Effort Required for Achieving Leadership
Meanwhile, the South Sudan Minister for Parliamentary Affairs, Mary Nawai, reminded participants that achieving leadership requires proactive effort. “Nobody will hand leadership to you on a silver platter. You must struggle, participate, and raise your voice,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of financial readiness and local community engagement. “Visibility and unity in your constituencies are crucial. Declare your intentions early, and remember, it is your responsibility to show up and lead,” Nawai advised.
Conclusion and Commitment to Women’s Leadership
The workshop concluded with a strong commitment to nurturing young women’s leadership through mentorship and reinforcing feminist movements. A communique was adopted, outlining strategic steps to scale up women’s involvement in governance. Hendriks closed the event with a resounding message of hope and unity. “Let us prioritize young women’s leadership and showcase the achievements of women who have already paved the way. Together, we can shape a future of equal opportunities and equal voice for women in South Sudan.” This dialogue serves as a pivotal reminder that the path to gender equality in leadership requires resilience, solidarity, and unwavering determination.
