On March 7th, 2024, the Central Equatoria Women Associated launched a pre-International Women’s Day celebration in Terekeka, joined by HealthNet TPO South Sudan. With the theme “Invest in Women: Accelerate Progress,” the gathering aimed to tackle economic disparities affecting women worldwide.
In South Sudan, embedded patriarchal culture perpetuates inequality, systematically marginalising women from decision-making roles. These disparities roots in the unequal access to education, a key factor in promoting gender equality.
Despite significant advancements in efforts to empower women in South Sudan, they still face consistent challenges, ranging from obtaining leadership positions to simply gaining respect. This underscores the urgent necessity for greater investment in their development, facilitating their active involvement in decision-making processes.
During the event held in Terekeka for #IWD2024, several influential figures from the South Sudanese political landscape discussed the challenges in achieving gender equality to celebrate the resilience of women on this important day.
Among the various topics speakers, the Minister of State for Gender, Children, and Social Welfare, highlighted the achievements and progress made by women in the South Sudanese context. While recognising these advancements, they acknowledged the need for continuous improvement and stressed the importance of investing in women. To support this goal, plans have been announced to provide loans to women interested in launching their own businesses.
-Paul Wol
Despite the ongoing challenges towards equal opportunities for women, Paul Wol, the chairperson of the organizing committee, conveyed a message of hope, emphasising the event’s objective to celebrate the successes of women worldwide. While acknowledging the ongoing efforts required, he also recognized the historical struggles many women have overcome, raising hope for a future where “every woman is empowered, respected, and valued.”
In this occasion, where both women needs and possibilities have been pointed out, a participant perceived it to be a safe space to voice the ongoing challenges she and many other women face daily. She expressed hope for a South Sudanese society embodying mutual respect and gender equality, aligning with the theme of International Women’s Day 2024 and emphasising the importance of investing in women to accelerate progress.
As highlighted in the event, women in South Sudan currently hold representation quotas in 35% of senior decision-making positions, with the opportunity to compete for the remaining 65% of leadership roles alongside men.
In South Sudan, given the deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, women are often confined to family caregiving roles. Combined with economic difficulties, the obstacles women face in obtaining leadership or respectful roles increase. This perpetuates a social framework in which the female perspective remains consistently undervalued and gender inequality persists.
– Paul Wol
HealthNet TPO, through its programmes, aims to empower women and challenge the current status quo, supporting the process towards a society where women’s work is valued and recognised.
In South Sudan, the “Leaders of Peace” project, as part of the broader goal to build sustainable peace and gender equality through Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS), focuses on addressing women’s needs to enhance their sense of safety, strength, and ability to realise their rights.
Discover more about the LOP programme here→