Inequalities between men and women in South Sudan are an undeniable reality. Patriarchal culture and the cultural legacy of traditionally sexist norms create a society where the experience of being a woman is still received negatively.
there are mountains growing
beneath our feet
that cannot be contained
all we’ve endured
has prepared us for this
bring your hammer and fists
we have a glass ceiling to shatter
let’s leave this place roofless – rupi kaur
Gender Inequalities in South Sudan
Despite the improvements toward gender equality in the last decades, the world is not on track to reach gender equality by 2030, despite this being one of the goals of the Sustainable Development Goals Report of the United Nations. Everyone should understand that equality is for the benefit of every individual, as gender inequality impacts not only women but every man, child, community and nation.
The fight for gender equality is a discussion that started in South Sudan but did not find fertile ground in a nation influenced by prevailing cultural norms, where a patriarchal system has often marginalised and excluded women from decision-making in the community and at home. Due to a lack of awareness, the idea that these traditions are harmful has never entered many men’s and women’s minds.
In spite of this, since HealthNet TPO has been implementing health projects with the support of the Health Pooled Fund, most of the staff and health workers are women, as most of the patients are women or children. Therefore, women are slowly entering this male-dominated sector and, thanks to their courage, the glass ceiling in the country is starting to break.
Leading by Example: Succeeding in a Male-Dominated Position
Florence Eimani
The testimony of Florence Eimani teaches a lot about the consequences of gender inequalities in South Sudan. When her mother died, she had to drop off school to care for her 7 siblings. Every time the patriarchal system neglects a woman, an entire family has to pay the price. After years of sacrifice, Florence got the opportunity to pursue her education, completing a nursing certificate and working with many international organisations.
“Us, as educated women, should change people’s narrative and perception towards women and their idea that we are too weak to handle top management positions.”
Florence Eimani works now as the Mother Tereza Hospital Coordinator, a position that takes work, especially since she has to perform even harder as she covers a male-dominated position. Florence Eimani appreciated how supportive and cooperative her team is, though she acknowledged some concerns about how men receive decisions taken by her. Men need to understand how to work harmoniously with women in management positions.
Despite her example, women are considered inferior to men in her community. For instance, women cannot decide to access family planning services without their husbands’ approval, even if they face a life-threatening condition. However, through community awareness activities, the situation is slowly changing.
“Through community awareness activities, we involved many men that now value their wives more, coming together as couples for counselling and family planning services.”
Yunis Karmelio
Yunis Karmelio started working as a laboratory technician for the Terekeka Primary Health Care Center in 2019. She is the only female laboratory technician in the Terekeka community. Despite the challenges in a male-dominated industry, she has proven her competency. Yunis is now the backbone of the laboratory.
“Women and girls should go to school and prove themselves in the science field to support the community. It’s only me handling the whole department, and I dream another woman will take over me”.
