JUBA – South Sudan’s High Court Judge Francis Amum Awin Ayoker on Saturday urged judicial officers to develop a “third eye” to identify and challenge gender stereotypes and biases that may influence judicial decisions.
Judge Amum made the remarks in Juba on Saturday during the launch of his book, “A Gender Perspective on Legal Pluralism in South Sudan.”
The 300-page book examines gender justice and the challenges arising from the coexistence of multiple legal systems in South Sudan.
“The third eye itself is the capacity to perceive all gender dynamics, in fact, facts, evidence, and witness credibility in specific cases. ” Amum said.
Amum said judges should look beyond the immediate facts presented in court and consider social and cultural factors that may disadvantage women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
“With the third eye, they will apply equality principles, and judges are born to interpret laws in line with constitutional and international obligations,” he said.
According to Judge Amum, developing a “third eye” would enable judicial officers to recognize hidden gender biases and stereotypes that can affect the interpretation and application of the law.
“With the third eye, they will challenge stereotypes. High-level judicial training nowadays focuses on identifying and countering judicial stereotypes.
“With this perspective, the bench will empower vulnerable groups. That is, judges have a critical role in addressing GBB by understanding the special vulnerability of survivors and ensuring the courtroom is safe, not a discriminatory environment.”
He emphasized that equality before the law should not simply mean treating everyone in the same manner, arguing that courts should also consider whether their decisions produce fair and equitable outcomes.
“This section is the chapter on gender perspective. To effectively use laws as tools for responding to and preventing gender-based violence (GBB), we need a method for interpreting these laws through a gender perspective.
Dr. Angelina Mattijo Bazugba, Director of the National Transformational Leadership Institute (NTLI) at the University of Juba, praised Judge Amum for the publication, saying the book explores a range of issues affecting women and seeks to promote greater awareness of gender-related challenges.
“It brings questions around how our justice system can protect the dignity, rights, and safety of women, girls, and children in a society where statutory laws, customary laws, and the social norms operate alongside one another,” Angelina said.
She said studies have shown that about 65 percent of women and girls have experienced physical or sexual violence at some point in their lives.
“The study we delivered in 2020, along with other organizations, shows that out of 2,244 women aged 15 to 64, surveyed in Juba, Rumbek, and some POC, shows that out of 2,244 women of this age, 15 to 64, a study was done in Juba, Rumbek, and also in some POC, showing that between 50% and 65% of respondents reported experiencing physical and sexual violence during their lifetime.”
Francis Amum Awin Ayoker is a High Court judge in the judiciary of South Sudan and an expert in international human rights law, gender-based violence (GBV) justice, and judicial reform.
With over 22 years of experience, he has played a key role in advancing gender equality, women’s rights, and child protection.
Commissioned by the Chief Justice, he led the establishment of the GBV and Juvenile Court in 2020, setting a national standard for survivor-centered and child-friendly justice.
His work focuses on integrating international legal standards into domestic courts and challenging harmful customary practices such as child marriage and marital abuse.
He has served in several judicial roles, including Presiding Judge of the GBV & Juvenile Court and President of the High Court in Unity State.
Guided by independence, impartiality, and integrity, he continues to promote reforms that strengthen justice and human rights in South Sudan.
