The air in Juba was filled with hope, determination, and unity as women from across Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) gathered for the Jonglei–GPAA Women’s Conference, a groundbreaking forum dedicated to amplifying women’s voices in peacebuilding and leadership.
The conference, held at Boma Hall, Imperial Plaza, brought together influential women leaders, grassroots representatives, and community actors to deliberate on critical issues of peace, reconciliation, and empowerment.
This historic gathering was not an isolated event. It followed directly from the Inter-Community General Stakeholders (ICGS) meeting convened in Juba from July 1–3, 2025 at Palm Africa Hotel.
That forum, initiated by Peace Canal, the Peacebuilding Opportunities Fund (POF), and Peace Partners, laid the foundation for this women-led dialogue, recognizing the irreplaceable role of women in healing fractured communities.
The event was graced by senior political leaders from both sides of the divide: Dr. Riak Gai Kok, Governor of Jonglei State, with his delegation, and Peter Guzulu Maze, Chief Administrator of GPAA, accompanied by his senior team.
Their attendance underscored the weight of the platform and the growing commitment of state leadership to women’s participation in peace processes.
At its core, the conference focused on rebuilding trust among women from Jonglei and GPAA, strengthening relationships, and creating new spaces for dialogue on leadership and community healing.
Particular emphasis was placed on the role of women in ending child abduction and facilitating the reunification of children with their families—an issue that has long torn communities apart.
Discussions also highlighted women’s agency in bridging divides, promoting reconciliation, and spearheading development initiatives that transcend the boundaries of conflict and displacement.
Delegates agreed that the forum was not merely symbolic but a call to action, a reminder that peace cannot be sustainable without the participation of women.
By the final session, the hall echoed with voices of determination and a shared vision: women as custodians of peace and builders of a future free from fear, violence, and mistrust.
This conference did more than amplify women’s voices; it cemented their role as central pillars in reshaping the trajectory of peace, leadership, and community well-being across Jonglei and GPAA.
