The Central Equatoria State Minister of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, Zendia Elusia Abu, has urged stronger partnerships between government institutions and civil society organizations to advance women’s empowerment and protection across South Sudan.
Speaking at the opening of the National Gender Forum in Juba on Wednesday, Zendia commended South Sudanese women for their resilience amid social and economic challenges.
“We do not wait; we are moving forward. Despite all the challenges, we are still standing,” she said, praising women for their role in sustaining families and communities.
The three-day forum, organized by the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA Network) in partnership with the Royal Netherlands Embassy and the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, runs from November 5–7 under the theme “Securing Gains, Shaping Tomorrow.”
The event provides a platform to reflect on progress achieved through SIHA’s “We Cannot Wait” project, which has supported women and girls through leadership training, advocacy, and livelihood initiatives.
Zendia also applauded SIHA and the Health Organization (Al-Siha) for their continued support to women affected by violence and inequality, proposing a formal cooperation framework to strengthen joint efforts at both state and county levels.
“The Health Organization and SIHA stand with women in many situations, especially in the fight against violence. Their work gives hope to many,” she noted.
Hon. Maka Masiafa, a member of the Central Equatoria State Assembly, lauded SIHA’s ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, stressing that empowering women is key to achieving lasting peace and development.
“We must continue to empower women if we are to achieve lasting peace and development,” she said.
SIHA Country Coordinator, Jackie Bage, highlighted the lasting impact of the “We Cannot Wait” project, emphasizing that women’s empowerment is central to community transformation.
“When women are supported, they can drive positive change in their communities. The movement for gender equality will continue beyond this project,” she affirmed.
The National Gender Forum brings together government officials, civil society actors, development partners, and women leaders to strategize on sustaining gender equality gains and shaping future interventions across South Sudan.
