UN Women on Wednesday announced funding for three local nongovernmental organizations to support campaigns for women’s political and leadership participation. The funded NGOs are EVE Organization for Women, the National Press Club, and Lukluk Community Association for Development (LCAD).
At the launch and signing ceremony held at the UN Women’s headquarters in Juba, Korto Williams, speaking on behalf of Rukaya Mohamed, UN Women Country Representative in South Sudan, highlighted the alignment of the Women Leadership and Political Participation objectives with the mandates of these organizations. Williams emphasized that these institutions are crucial for transitioning from conflict to peace in South Sudan.
“These organizations underscore women’s pivotal role as agents of change in driving progress across various sectors in South Sudan. It is significant to create an enabling environment that includes everyone in decision-making and leadership,” Williams stated.
She explained that the project focuses on women’s leadership and political participation during South Sudan’s transitional period, specifically in Juba, Pibor, and Malakal. LCAD will work in Malakal and Pibor; the National Press Club will address structural barriers to women’s political participation (WPP) and use media capacity building as the entry point, also working with young people and traditional leaders.
EVE Organization will train women leaders in civil society organizations and political parties, supporting engagement with various electoral stakeholders. “We will identify synergies and ensure meaningful coordination among the partners,” Korto added.
Korto highlighted that their focus on grassroots communities drives their interest in partnering with the three organizations, particularly the Lukluk Community Association for Development, which will implement the project in Malakal and Pibor.
She emphasized that incorporating women’s voices at decision-making levels yields peace dividends. “This is a fundamental aspect of our work with the Government of South Sudan, civil society organizations, the UN system, and all our partners across different sectors,” Williams said.
Ochaya James, Executive Director of the National Press Club (NPC), stated that they will collaborate closely with UN Women to achieve the project’s goal of breaking barriers to women’s political participation and leadership in South Sudan.
“To achieve the project’s objective of overcoming barriers facing women, especially from a media perspective, we recognize the challenges. However, we believe that through this project and our media engagement, we will be able to champion the campaign and raise awareness, ensuring increased participation and leadership of women in South Sudan,” James said.
Rita Lopidia, Executive Director of EVE Organization for Women, emphasized the importance of the quality of women’s participation in leadership roles, not just the numbers.
“We are not just concerned about numbers but the substance that women bring to the table, whether it is in parliament, the executive, or other institutions requiring women’s participation. Substance can only come through capacity building and advocacy,” Rita explained. “At EVE Organization, we are known for our extensive advocacy for women’s leadership and political participation, as well as mentoring the next generation of women leaders.”
Kido Joseph, Director of Peace Building at the Ministry of Peace Building, praised UN Women’s efforts to empower women in leadership roles in South Sudan.
“This project comes at a critical time as we approach our elections, emphasizing the need for partnership. Effective leadership and gender participation in political processes in South Sudan require collaboration. I commend UN Women for their outstanding work, especially in promoting women’s political participation and focusing on grassroots peace-building efforts,” Kido stated.