Empowering Change: South Sudan’s Female Lawmakers on the Forefront of Legislative Reformation

In the heart of Juba, a transformative scene unfolds as over fifty female members of parliament gather, their focus sharpened on pivotal issues shaping the future of South Sudan. From May 7th to 9th, 2025, these lawmakers, under the banner of the Empowered Women Influence (EWI) Project, engaged in a workshop designed to refine their legislative prowess and address systemic challenges through effective law-making.

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Strategic Training for Legislative Excellence

The workshop, spearheaded by PAX for Peace and generously funded by the German Federal Foreign Office, targeted enhancing the participants’ skills in areas critical to national welfare such as family law and combating gender-based violence. Emmanuel Ira, the Country Director of PAX for Peace in South Sudan, encapsulated the urgency of the training: “For us to progress as a country, we need to have good laws,” he declared, emphasizing the chasm between legislation and its enforcement.

Key Focus Areas

• Strengthening lobbying and advocacy skills for national and international legal frameworks.
• Increasing capacity to draft and ensure the implementation of laws.
• Enhancing collaboration with civil society to improve legislative quality.

Ms. Martina Kani, Project Officer for the EWI Project, underscored the importance of collaborative efforts, stating, “We need to expand our capacity and raise awareness on different topics.” She highlighted the necessity for lawmakers to work alongside various stakeholders to craft well-rounded legislative proposals.

Impactful Insights and Legislative Commitments

Throughout the workshop, participants were not only recipients of knowledge but also active contributors to discussions on pressing societal issues. Hon. Dusman Joyce James Lesuk from Central Equatoria State shared her newfound confidence in drafting legislation, “Thanks to this workshop, I can now draft a private bill and know how to lobby my colleagues to support future legislation.”

Further emphasizing the workshop’s relevance, Honourable Viola Samuel Seti from Western Equatoria raised a critical concern about child trafficking, urging for robust legal frameworks to protect vulnerable groups. Meanwhile, Honourable Simon Malou Deng from Lakes State reflected on the societal challenges posed by high dowry payments, noting the training’s significant impact on addressing such issues through legislative means.

Voices for Change: Advocating Beyond the Workshop

The commitment to drive legislative change resonated deeply among the participants. Counsel Amanya Joseph, the training facilitator, highlighted the shared vision, “View civil society not as enemies but as allies. Consulting with legal experts and community organizations enhances the quality of your proposed bills and ensures they are grounded in real-world needs.”

According to Dr. Susan Mwangi, a political analyst specializing in African legislative reforms, “Initiatives like these are crucial for empowering lawmakers to be proactive rather than reactive. It’s about creating laws that are enforceable and aligned with the country’s socio-economic realities.” Dr. Mwangi’s research indicates a 30% increase in legislative effectiveness when lawmakers engage in continuous professional development and stakeholder consultations.

Looking Ahead: The Promise of a Just Society

The workshop concluded on a high note, with lawmakers feeling empowered and ready to tackle the legislative challenges facing South Sudan. Their dedication 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.

As the participants departed, the air was thick with a sense of purpose and the promise of impending change. The words of Emmanuel Ira lingered, a reminder and a beacon: “You are carrying the big burden of the whole country in terms of legislating laws to be abided by all.” With the support of the international community and a renewed commitment to legislative excellence, South Sudan’s female lawmakers are indeed poised to influence positive change, driving the agenda for a more equitable and just society.