Happy Women’s Day. Inspire Inclusion!

#InspireInclusion!   

This is the theme for International Women’s Day 2024. Annually, Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) joins the rest of the world on March 8th to celebrate the day. This year, we are amplifying the voices of women and girls in South Sudan who are inspiring inclusion. 

Mrs Erika, the Head Teacher of St. Vincent Primary School in Juba has been at the school for over 10 years! From a volunteer teacher, she now leads both the nursery and primary sections of the school. Erika says she has seen growth and development at the school since she joined. She believes women are just as good leaders as men. 

As an inclusive programme working towards the realisation of gender parity in education, this year’s theme of #InspireInclusion resonates with our work. Nancy, a Head Girl has a message for us on female leadership. 

Like in other parts of the world, women in South Sudan continue to be disproportionately disadvantaged due to the fact they are women. Sometimes missing out on opportunities at work and in school. The situation is even worse for women with disabilities who often face double discrimination. Savia, GESS’ Mentoring Coordinator shares her thoughts on the inclusion of women in employment, especially women with disabilities.  

Yar is a mother of a child with autism.  Autism spectrum disorder is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication. 

She echoes the need for the world to be inclusive and accepting of all people. 

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we recognise the need to include women and girls in all sectors. Children in schools need to be taught the importance of an inclusive society and the positive contribution that girls and women can make if they are given the opportunity. Girls need to be taught that they are as capable as boys! All stakeholders should join in the fight against negative stereotypes.  

Let us all #InspireInclusion! 

Categorised in: Disability Inclusion, GESS Events, Girls' Education, Human Interest Story, Uncategorised