South Sudan Hosts First-Ever International Conference on Women Transformational Leadership

Over 430 women representing all the states of South Sudan and African women leaders from more than 15 countries, including Ghana, Zimbabwe, Sierra Leone, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Liberia, Zambia, Mauritius, Central African Republic, Egypt, and the United States of America, gathered in Juba, South Sudan for a three-day inaugural International Women Conference on Transformational Leadership. The conference took place on 13-15 February.

The conference was hosted by H.E Rebecca Nyandeng De Mabior, Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan responsible for the Gender and Youth Cluster, Ministry of Gender, Child and Social welfare, the National Transformational Leadership Institute (NTLI), and the United Nations. 

Dubbed “GuwaTamara”, and translated as the strength of a woman, the conference presented a unique opportunity for women to share experiences, learn, deepen, and expand regional and international networks to catalyze learning in support of South Sudanese women in advancing women peace and security, and gender equality.  

In his opening remarks, President Salva Kiir Mayardit acknowledged the importance of providing women with a conducive environment to meaningfully participate in the political arena and other aspects of life. This conference not only recognizes the role and potential of women in our country but also gives them support to create an enabling environment for equal participation in all aspects of our society, President Kiir said. He noted that the Government of South Sudan allocated a 35% quota for women inclusion and participation in all aspects of society. I am aware that there is still a lot of outstanding work on women empowerment, he said, recalling the 35% quota endorsed by the Revitalized Peace Agreement of 2018.

The UN Resident Coordinator, Sara Beysolow Nyanti, co-convenor of the conference, called on all stakeholders to put all efforts together to ensure the implementation of all recommendations, urging them to work together to support South Sudanese women walk on a path to development and peace. 

“This is about action, taking the strength of women and putting it into action. We shouldn’t stop here,” Ms. Sara emphasized. 

The Resident Coordinator said UN entities in South Sudan are committed and will continue to support the government and the women of South Sudan to ensure the achievement of gender parity at all levels.  

On her part, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa, the Assistant Administrator and UNDP Regional Director for Africa, highlighted the words of Pope Francis during his visit to South Sudan in early February.

“Women, mothers who know how life is generated and safeguarded needed to be increasingly involved in political life and decision-making processes. Women must be respected, for anyone who commits an act of violence towards women commits it towards God”.

Vice President H.E Rebecca Nyadeng De Mabior noted that the experiences shared by women leaders are very inspiring. She encouraged women to persist while “looking at the big picture.”

While closing the conference, First Vice President Dr. Riek Machar advised women to utilize the relative peace in the country to make gains toward addressing issues affecting women.   He also encouraged South Sudanese women to support girl child education, noting that illiteracy is one significant structural causes of inequalities.

The conference provided space for women leaders to reflect on their personal leadership journeys, share perspectives, and recommend forward-thinking strategies on women leadership and decision-making across peace, security, governance, climate change, and intergenerational pathways to leadership.  

Participants deliberated on actions and strategies to strengthen women’s participation in decision-making. They further expanded networks for shared learning nationally, regionally, and internationally to build strong women’s movements for transformative change and advance gender equality in a digital age.