Celebrating the resilience, leadership, and limitless potential of South Sudan’s women and girls

Every year, International Women’s Day offers an important moment to reflect, celebrate, and recommit to the work of advancing gender equality. In South Sudan, the theme “Give to Gain” resonates deeply. It reminds us that when we invest in women and girls, when we give opportunity, access, safety, education, respect, and space to lead, we gain stronger families, stronger communities, and a stronger nation.

For over a decade, Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) has been dedicated to creating the conditions for women and girls to thrive. Through support to education, social support, and community engagement, GESS has helped transform countless lives. This transformation has also been impactful for women and girls living with disabilities, who often face compounded barriers in accessing their rights and opportunities.

The women and girls of South Sudan continue to show remarkable courage and resilience. Many confront daily challenges- from poverty and insecurity to harmful social norms and limited access to basic services. For women and girls with disabilities, these barriers can be even greater: inaccessible schools, stigma, restricted mobility, and reduced access to information and care.

Yet year after year, South Sudanese women rise. They continue learning, leading, advocating, and building. They continue giving to their families, communities, and country even when the world has not always given enough back to them.

GESS stands in solidarity with these women and girls. We honour their perseverance and remain committed to support them not only to survive, but to thrive.

Since its beginning, GESS has worked to ensure that girls across South Sudan have the chance to go to school, stay in school, and complete at least 12 years of education. Through Cash Transfers, Capitation Grants, social behaviour change communication, and teacher training, the programme has helped remove financial, cultural, and structural barriers to girls’ education.

Importantly, GESS has prioritised inclusive education. Schools supported by GESS have increasingly become safer, more welcoming environments for learners with disabilities. This has included improved school infrastructure, awareness‑raising among teachers and communities, and tailored support that ensures girls with disabilities are seen, valued, and encouraged. As a result, South Sudan has witnessed consistent growth in girls’ enrolment, attendance, and completion rates- a testament to the power of investing in their futures.

As we celebrate today, we also look to tomorrow. The future of South Sudan depends on the creativity, intelligence, leadership, and wellbeing of its women and girls. To unlock this future, we must continue to give access to quality, inclusive education and support to women and girls facing barriers, including disability, displacement, and poverty.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate all the women and girls who continue to push boundaries, uplift one another, and dream of a brighter future. And we reaffirm our commitment to give more, to support more, and to create pathways for every woman and girl especially those with disabilities to flourish because when women and girls thrive, we all gain.

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