South Sudan watchdog report highlights disparity in women’s representation

JUBA – South Sudan’s civil society watchdog, the Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Justice (CIGPJ), in partnership with Norwegian People’s Aid, has released a report analyzing women’s participation in the Transitional Government of South Sudan.

The study, launched on Thursday, examines women’s representation at both state and national levels, with a focus on meeting the mandated 35% quota for women in government.

Findings indicate significant disparities in women’s representation within the National Executive.

Women currently hold only 16% of positions in the presidency, with just one female vice president among six male counterparts, including the president.

At the ministerial level, women comprise 25% of the cabinet (9 out of 35), while they account for 20% of deputy minister positions (2 out of 10).

Maka Mustafa Fataki, Chairperson of the Legislature and Legal Affairs in Central Equatoria State, emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts and evidence-based advocacy during the report’s launch.

“As we delve into this report, we are reminded of the importance of working together to achieve our shared goals. Let us use these findings to strategies and build a more inclusive and equitable future,” Maka said.

Taban Silvio, Programme Manager of CIGPJ, reiterated the organization’s commitment to advancing women’s political inclusion.

“Every year, the Centre conducts thorough research to track progress, identify challenges, and provide a factual basis for discussions on women’s political inclusion,” he said.

He said that the data is an essential tool for women leaders, politicians, and advocates to engage in informed dialogues at conferences, debates, and policy platforms.

“The data equips us to understand the gaps in women’s representation, whether the numbers align with or fall short of the target. Our commitment remains steadfast to empower women to participate in all aspects of political life in South Sudan,” he added.

He firmly believes that when women are actively involved in leadership and decision-making, they drive transformative progress, foster peace, and contribute to the nation’s development.