The speaker
of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) has urged women to
engage actively in the next elections in South Sudan, both as candidates and
voters.
In South
Sudan, highly ingrained gender stereotypes and misconceptions about women's
responsibilities in society create major impediments to their participation in
leadership positions.
These
prejudices frequently impede women's abilities to participate in
decision-making processes, as traditional gender roles continue to prevail.
As a result,
women confront significant barriers when attempting to participate in politics
and hold positions of power.
Furthermore,
cultural conventions continue to limit women's political participation,
supporting the perception that leadership is primarily a male realm.
Speaking at a
five-day National Women’s Conference, Hon. Jemma Nunu Kumba stressed the
importance of women’s involvement as the country prepares for general elections
next year.
"This
conference is very timely, considering that we have our two-year extension.
That will lead to the general elections next year," Nunu said on Tuesday
in Juba, underlining the significance of the event as elections approach.
She
encouraged women to support one another in the electoral process, whether by
running for office or casting their votes.
"We
should encourage the women to vote for their fellow women. If we are more than
50 percent in this country, then there should be no reason why a woman
candidate should fail in elections," Nunu echoed.
The speaker
addressed the challenges posed by negative attitudes toward supporting female
candidates, calling for a shift in mindset.
Meanwhile, Rebecca
Nyandeng, vice president and chair of the Gender and Youth Cluster, called on
women to actively help and inspire their daughters and younger sisters,
reminding them of their significant role not only in the home but in leadership
as well.
"Let us
help ourselves, let us help our girls, and I want our daughters also to help us
so that we can continue to advise them in the right manner. We must champion
each other, support each other, and build each other up," Nyandeng argued.
Reflecting on
the hardships women face in the country, she expressed the need to overcome
bitterness and embrace unity for the betterment of families and communities.
"Because
if we hold bitterness in our heart, there will be no home. Women are beaten up,
and they go to the kitchen and cook, with bruises on their faces,” the VP
explained.
The vice
president also acknowledged the critical role women play in sustaining South
Sudan's economy and communities, highlighting their resilience and
determination.
"It is
women who wake up before sunrise to sell in the market, to prepare tea, and to
sell vegetables. It is women who find ways to feed their families, even in
times of scarcity,” she added.
Her call for
intentional action and unity is a pivotal reminder that women’s leadership
extends beyond government into every aspect of daily life.
The
conference was organized by the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare
in collaboration with the National Transformational Leadership Institute and UN
Women with support from the Government of Norway.
The event will provide an opportunity for women to reflect on the struggles for gender equality and strategize to participate effectively in the permanent constitution-making process and develop a common agenda for elections.