Margret Oliver is Head Chief of Pageri Payam of Magwi County, Eastern Equatoria State. Elected by the community, Margret has been in the post for nearly a year.
She was a Boma chief before her promotion to head chief.
Radio Tamazuj caught up and sounded out the female chief about the nature of her work and the challenges she faces in handling issues affecting the community.
Below are edited excerpts:
Q: Could you please introduce yourself?
A: Hello, I am Margret Oliver Wani, the head chief of Pageri Payam.
Q: How has your experience been as a woman working in Pageri Payam?
A: My work has been going well, despite some challenges. Women are capable and efficient in their work. I have been dedicated to my responsibilities, just like any other person would be. However, I have faced some instances where men undermine women’s abilities. Nevertheless, I firmly believe that women can excel in any field. I have been serving the community for a long time, starting as a Boma chief in Modi Tokuro, and later appointed as the head chief of Pageri Payam. Managing the diverse population, including all 64 South Sudanese tribes, has been challenging, but with God’s wisdom, I have been able to navigate difficult times.
Q: How long have you been serving as the head chief of Pageri Payam?
A: I have been in this position for nearly a year.
Q: What are some of the prevalent cases you handle among communities in Pageri Payam?
A: In the past, we dealt with cattle-related issues, but currently, those cases have decreased. Most of our cases now involve incidents where goats stray into others’ farms. Additionally, we handle various community issues. However, if a case is beyond our jurisdiction, such as family matters requiring blood compensation or fighting, we refer them to the police and county court for appropriate handling.
Q: May I ask about your age?
A: I am 52 years old.
Q: How many chiefs work under your leadership in Pageri Payam?
A: I have five chiefs working under my leadership, making a total of six chiefs in Pageri Payam.
Q: How did you become a woman chief in Pageri? Did you receive any formal training?
A: I did not receive any official training or study to become a chief. However, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) provided us with some training, which enhanced our abilities to continue working effectively. Personally, I believe that God bestowed upon me the wisdom to lead, as I had previously headed a women’s group in the church and advocated for harmonious community living. It was based on these activities and my involvement with the community that I was selected as a chief.
Q: What crops have you been cultivating?
A: I have been cultivating various crops, but my primary focus has been on charcoal production. I cultivate different types of crops on 40 to 50 feddans of land. The income generated allows me to pay my children’s school fees, provide for their needs, and contribute 10 percent of my earnings to the church.
Q: Have you been addressing issues concerning men, women, and their families?
A: Yes, we receive and address issues related to men, women, and their families. We have established community groups that provide guidance on how men and women can coexist harmoniously. We handle many of these cases ourselves, but for more complex matters that surpass our jurisdiction, we refer them to the county court for resolution.
Q: Are you concerned about potential backlash from those dissatisfied with your judgments?
A: Our authority as chiefs is limited to issuing sentences that do not exceed one month. For cases that require more severe punishments, we defer them to civil judges at the county or state level. The individual being sentenced must understand that their punishment results from their own wrongdoing. If they are not satisfied with the decision, they have the right to appeal the case in higher courts, such as the paramount chief in the county. Ultimately, I am accountable to the paramount chief, and anyone dissatisfied with my judgments has the right to pursue legal channels.
Q: What challenges are you currently facing in Pageri?
A: One of the challenges we face is the diminishing respect for local chiefs from certain tribes, which was more prevalent in the past. Previously, people respected and implemented the orders given by chiefs. However, due to the displacement of many tribes, this respect has declined. For instance, during the cultivation period, families are instructed to keep their goats tied up at home, but some people disregard these instructions. Additionally, many goats roam freely without control during the farming season. Thus, enforcing orders has become a challenge.
Q:Are these issues of disrespecting orders specific to you as a woman chief, or do male chiefs also face this challenge?
A: The disregard for orders is not limited to female chiefs; even male chiefs face similar challenges.
Q: Some people believe that women are incapable of resolving community issues. What is your perspective on this?
A: There is a prevalent misconception that women are not capable of being chiefs. However, God’s wisdom is not limited by gender. Women can lead and excel in any position. Unfortunately, many women are held back by fear and societal expectations. If we encourage and empower women, they can surpass men’s achievements. Women possess wisdom and authority granted by God to contribute to community development and progress.
Q: What is your final message to the people of South Sudan?
A: My message is to encourage women to stand up and work alongside men. We must not let our 25 percent representation go to waste. Every capable woman should rise and actively contribute to the development of South Sudan. Let us bring positive change to our homes, influence our men and children, and transform our entire country into a place of peace, love, and knowledge. Engaging in farming is crucial to fight hunger in South Sudan. I urge everyone, regardless of gender, to work hard and make our country self-sufficient in food production. Let’s strive to become a nation that not only feeds its own people but also exports food to other countries, proudly representing South Sudan.