Empowering Women, Transforming South Sudan: UN's Commitment to Gender Equality

For decades, South Sudanese women have been at the forefront of the nation’s struggle for peace, stability, and development. However, deeply entrenched patriarchal norms, gender-based violence, and economic exclusion have long prevented their full participation in society. Recognizing these systemic barriers, the United Nations in South Sudan embarked on a multi-faceted mission to promote gender equality, empower women, and position them as key drivers of the country’s progress.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2025 identifies Women and Youth Empowerment as a critical pillar in achieving sustainable development. This strategic priority focuses on equipping women, youth, and vulnerable groups with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities necessary to assert their rights and influence decision-making processes.
Gender-based violence (GBV) remains one of the most pervasive challenges in South Sudan, with 65% of women and girls in conflict-affected areas experiencing physical and sexual violence in their lifetime. Conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) exacerbates the vulnerability of women and girls, making the fight against GBV a top priority for the UN in South Sudan. The UN is working with partners to strengthen national and local efforts to combat GBV by providing survivors with access to justice, protection, and psychosocial support. Through partnerships with national and international organizations, comprehensive GBV prevention and response programs have been implemented, including community sensitization campaigns and the establishment of safe spaces for survivors.

“The well-being, protection of women and girls from all kinds of violence and harmful practices, and empowerment of young people, particularly girls, is not only a moral and human rights imperative, but critical to the economic, social progress for a nation, and advancing development. UNFPA engages men and boys and supports to strengthen systems needed to create an enabling environment for them to realize their full human potential which benefits families, societies and the nation." Suzanne Mandong, UNFPA Representative a.i

Despite commitments in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), women remain vastly underrepresented in governance and leadership roles. The UN is actively supporting initiatives to increase women’s political participation by providing training, mentorship, and advocacy platforms for aspiring female leaders. 
One key initiative is the UNDP-supported mentorship training, which has created a valuable network amongst young women in politics. This mentorship program has strengthened their collective advocacy, breaking down political divisions and uniting women from different party lines. Hon. Mary Ayom Deng, Chairperson of the Specialized Committee of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare in the Jonglei State Legislative Assembly, is a beneficiary of this training. She explains:

“The UNDP-supported mentorship trainings have created a network amongst young women in politics that has strengthened our advocacy and demands on the position of leadership within the political space. The women leader’s mentorship opened the political space as women leaders are motivated to work together.”
Before the mentorship, women parliamentarians were divided along the political party lines of SPLM-In Government, SPLM-IO, and SSOA. The mentorship has strengthened interparty relations, enabling women leaders to work together for common goals. Hon. Ayom adds:

These programs are addressing the significant gap in women’s political participation. The project equips women with transformational leadership skills, peacebuilding knowledge, and conflict management strategies, fostering an environment where women can engage meaningfully in governance.
Economic independence is a cornerstone of achieving gender equality. Yet, South Sudanese women often face discrimination in accessing economic resources, including land, credit, and employment. The UN is implementing initiatives that support women's entrepreneurship, vocational training, and financial inclusion. Through market-oriented, gender-transformative policies, women are being empowered to establish and grow small businesses, access microfinance, and engage in sustainable agricultural production. 
The EU-funded Trust Fund Feeder Roads Project, led by UNOPS, has played a crucial role in improving economic opportunities for women. Women like Martha Adut, a resilient worker from Aweil North County, have transitioned from casual laborers to skilled workers.

“Life before the start of this project was challenging. There were no business or employment opportunities in the area. During the rainy seasons, we were cut off by the Nyamlel River. I was trained and employed at the bridge construction site, and now I can work anywhere, buy food and clothing for my children, and even pay their school fees.”

Through community capacity-building initiatives, this project has provided economic empowerment to many women, allowing them to gain financial independence and contribute to their families' well-being. The feeder roads now provide access to isolated communities, improving access to schools, healthcare facilities, and creating socio-economic opportunities for over 1.2 million people in the Bahr El Ghazal region.
By championing women’s empowerment and challenging the structures that perpetuate gender inequality, the UN is paving the way for a more just, inclusive, and prosperous South Sudan. The journey is far from over, but with continued commitment and action, gender equality is within reach.

Women in South Sudan are not just survivors of conflict and oppression, they are leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. As they gain more opportunities for political leadership, economic independence, and social justice, they are transforming South Sudan into a country where gender equality is not just an aspiration, but a reality for all.