Inspiring Inclusion on International Women’s Day 2024: Reflections on South Sudan

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated globally on March 8th. The day serves as a reminder of hope, resilience, and progress amidst the ongoing challenges faced by women and girls worldwide.  

 This year, as we honour the achievements and struggles of women and girls, I would like to shine a spotlight on South Sudan, a nation that exemplifies profound resilience in the face of adversity and gender inequality. 

South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has been embroiled in conflict since its independence in 2011, which has had a disproportionate impact on its female population. Amidst ongoing conflict, economic instability, and environmental challenges, South Sudanese women have emerged as pillars of strength, resilience, and hope.  

 On this International Women’s Day, I would like to celebrate South Sudanese women, who work tirelessly to advocate for equity in access to essential services for women, girls, and other marginalised groups. Among the many South Sudanese women who inspire inclusion, I would like to shine the spotlight on three in particular:  

• I shine the spotlight on Yar Manyiel who set up an organisation to bring awareness to autism in South Sudan, which is one of the lesser-known disabilities. Yar is helping to improve access to services for those with autism and their families.  

• I shine the spotlight on Savia Lodiong – a young woman who did not allow losing a limb to define her or limit her from realising her personal and professional goals including becoming a strong disability advocate.  

• I shine the spotlight on Riya William Yuyada who is a formidable voice advocating for the rights of women and girls. She set up an organisation known as Crown the Women – to create a platform for women participation.  

To Yar, Savia and Riya, despite the adversities you might have come across, I admire how you face these with dignity and grace. I am forever inspired by your preservation, dedication, and determination. You embody the spirit of this year’s theme – “Inspiring Inclusion” – which calls on individuals, communities, and nations worldwide to recognize the importance of equity and inclusion, going beyond equality to ensure that every person has the resources, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed.  . I am certain this sentiment resonates deeply with you as it does with me and other South Sudanese women who are the bedrock of the families, communities, and the voice of the voiceless.  

 Women in South Sudan are often at the forefront of addressing community needs, from education and healthcare to agriculture and peacebuilding. However, their contributions are frequently undervalued, and they face significant barriers to participation in private and public spheres.  

 Embracing equity and inclusion in the context of South Sudan means recognising the unique challenges South Sudanese women face and providing tailored support to overcome these obstacles. It involves ensuring that women and girls have equal access to education, skills, information, jobs, and resources. It also means amplifying their voices in private and public spaces and acknowledging their added value as agents of change.  

The road ahead for South Sudan remains fraught with obstacles. However, if, as a nation, we recognise the value add of all citizens equally – women and men; young and old; and those with disabilities – we embrace the true spirit of inclusion. I then have no doubt that we will become a force to be reckoned with. As such, I would say to the women of South Sudan: you are capable; do not wait to be invited to the table but take your rightful space.  

 On this IWD, let us recognise and celebrate the contributions of South Sudanese women across all walks of life. Their stories of strength, perseverance, and hope are not just a reflection of their personal journeys but also a testament to the potential for transformation and progress in South Sudan. This reflection on South Sudan for International Women’s Day 2024 is a reminder of the power of resilience, the importance of inclusion, and the potential for transformative change when women are empowered to lead.  

 The significance of inspiring inclusion should not only be a theme; it is a call to action that does not end after the 8th March, or any day. As we move forward, let the lessons and stories of South Sudanese women, including Yar, Savia and Riya, inspire us to strive for a world where inspiring equity is not just an aspiration but a reality.  

Author: Akuja de Garang MBE, Team Leader, Girls’ Education South Sudan 

Categorised in: Human Interest Story