Women in South Sudan speak out on International Women’s Day.

Happy International Women’s Day!

Today, Girls’ Education South Sudan (GESS) joins the rest of the world to mark International Women’s Day. Celebrated annually on March 8^th, the day has lasted ages since its first marking in the 20^th century. The day is marked to shed light on the challenges faced by women, highlight the progress made in women’s empowerment over the years and commit to actions that advance women’s rights.

Women in South Sudan, like in many countries across the world continue to face challenges such as unequal opportunities, violence, and discrimination. The challenges are exacerbated for women with disabilities.

Against many challenges, women in South Sudan continue to beat the odds and thrive, GESS is also pleased to be supporting young women in schools across South Sudan through the cash transfers given to those enrolled in school and regularly attending. Over one million young women have benefitted from the GESS cash transfers across South Sudan since they were introduced in 2013.

Today, some beneficiaries of the GESS cash transfers are in different professional fields and supporting their families. We hear from Medina, a former beneficiary of GESS who now works as a dentist in Juba. “Women need to be supported to realise their dreams. Women need to engage in a positive competition where they look at each other as role models and support each other to thrive.” On International Women’s Day, Medina shares her admiration for Yine. Yine is a Digital Inclusion Strategist, she is passionate about mentoring women in science across South Sudan. “Today I feel inspired by Yine, she has shown me that I need to aim higher and always strive to improve myself in my career field. Women need role models,” Medina adds.

This year, International Women’s Day is marked under the theme; Accelerate Action, A call to step up action by all stakeholders to prioritise equity and challenge barriers to women’s progress such as unfair work policies. The theme is also to amplify the voices of marginalised women such as women with disabilities.

Nunas Eluzai, an Information Communication and Technology Specialist in Juba shared her thoughts on this year’s theme. “Women need to stand up for themselves, and take action, then the world will follow, those who have gone ahead should support the younger ones and together we’ll be able to close the gender gap in the political, social and economic fields.”

Women in different career fields across South Sudan continue to push boundaries, redefining success, and calling for more opportunities for young girls and women. Acheng James Ajing, a Teacher in Juba stated “International Women’s Day is a time to honour the resilience of women. “It is a day to celebrate ourselves and the challenges we have overcome. We must continue to break barriers by providing young women opportunities to start businesses,” she says. She emphasises the need to combat cultural practices that hold women back.

June Ojukwu, a Public Health Specialist and entrepreneur, believes this day is a moment to recognise the efforts of all women, whether they are professionals, business owners, or stay-at-home mothers. “Let’s be proud of our small achievements,” she urges. She highlights the importance of education in closing the gender gap, “Empowerment and the eradication of harmful traditional practices will pave the way for greater female participation in leadership and decision-making,” she adds.

As these women share their journeys, their message is clear: the road to success requires sacrifice, perseverance, and self-determination. Acheng encourages. “Do not let anyone define your limits.” 

As we mark International Women’s Day, we join the world in calling for all stakeholders, including women to #AccelerateAction to end biases against women and support equality for all.

Categorised in: GESS Events, Human Interest Story