Angelina Nyayian knows hardship. At 6, she fled war-torn South Sudan, becoming a child refugee in Kenya. Decades later, she has returned home as a beacon of resilience, urging women to break free from dependence on men.
Now in her 30s, Nyayian is a humanitarian worker, journalist, and fierce advocate for women’s rights in a country where gender inequality remains entrenched. Her message to South Sudanese women is clear: “Wake up. Work hard. Depend on yourselves.”
“Life in the past was easy, but today’s money-driven economies are a challenge,” Nyayian says. “Yet there are so many small things young women and girls can do to earn a living. Be passionate, and God will open a way for you.”
From Advocacy to Action
Before South Sudan’s 2013 civil war, Nyayian was shocked by the struggles girls faced—child marriage, discrimination, and limited opportunities. She began speaking out on local radio, later earning a journalism degree to amplify her advocacy.
“I transitioned from journalism to communications management with international NGOs,” she says. “But my mission stayed the same: fighting for women’s voices to be heard.”
Breaking Barriers
Public spaces in South Sudan are often hostile to women, Nyayian admits. Stereotypes and discrimination persist, but she refuses to back down.
“People think we can’t be equals to men,” she says. “I’m not saying we must be physically equal—but we deserve the same opportunities.”
Had she surrendered to societal pressure, Nyayian believes she’d be “a mother of seven or trapped in a forced marriage.” Instead, she mentors young girls, teaching them confidence and consistency.
A Legacy of Resilience
Despite the struggles—financial burdens, cultural pushback, even abuse—Nyayian finds strength in her progress. She supports her siblings and family, a responsibility she embraces with pride.
“Seeing my family rise from nothing, I thank myself for my perseverance,” she says. “I’ll keep working hard—not just for me, but for those still fighting for their chance.”
For South Sudan’s women, Nyayian’s journey is proof that independence is possible. And her fight is far from over.