The National Press Club (NPC) held an open knowledge-sharing event on Friday, engaging around 20 university students—primarily young women—to encourage their participation in democratic processes.
The discussion, hosted in collaboration with the University of Juba, the Catholic University of South Sudan, and Stafford University, featured insights from prominent figures including Justice Perpetua Ajonye, a constitutional lawyer and Secretary-General of the Judicial Reform Committee, and Lona James Elia, Deputy Chairperson of the Political Parties’ Council.
Bullen Kenyi, Chairperson of the NPC Board of Directors, emphasised the event’s goal of equipping female students with public speaking skills to prepare them for future leadership roles. He explained that the focus on young women was deliberate, as their formative years present a critical opportunity for growth and development.
“This event is designed to empower young people, like the ones we see here today,” Mr Kenyi said. He urged participants to take the discussions seriously, stressing that leadership requires both knowledge and experience.
“I strongly encourage you to engage with the presentations from our speakers. When you leave here, you should take with you valuable knowledge,” he added. “Leadership is not possible without awareness, knowledge, and experience. If you aspire to be a leader, you must first be informed and prepared.”
Joseph Kido, Director-General in the National Ministry of Peacebuilding, called on young women to actively participate in South Sudan’s political landscape. He acknowledged that cultural stereotypes often hinder women’s involvement in politics and public discourse but emphasised the importance of challenging these norms.
“We would like to see strong female voices from all 10 states and the three administrative areas,” Mr Kido said. “Young women who are confident in public speaking and can address issues effectively.”
Merio Jimmy, a lecturer at the Catholic University of South Sudan, urged the NPC to establish student press clubs in universities to further develop leadership skills among young people.
The National Press Club is a nonprofit media organization in South Sudan where journalists and media professionals meet to improve their skills.