The Ambassador of Norway to South Sudan, Roar Haugsdal, has called for stronger efforts to end violence against women and renew commitments to gender equality.
Ambassador Haugsdal made the remarks during celebrations marking International Women’s Day 2026, held at the residence of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba on Sunday.
The event brought together government officials, civil society representatives, diplomats, and women leaders to reflect on progress and challenges in advancing women’s rights in South Sudan.
Speaking at the gathering, Haugsdal emphasized that recognizing women’s achievements must go hand in hand with taking concrete steps to ensure their safety, participation, and equal opportunities in society.
“Celebrating women’s achievements is important,” he said. “But it must also remind us that real progress comes when women live free from violence and have equal opportunities to contribute to building their communities and their country.”
The Norwegian envoy highlighted the critical role women play in peacebuilding, governance, and economic development, noting that societies that promote gender equality are more stable and prosperous.
Drawing from his own experience, Haugsdal shared a personal reflection about his family, saying he has three daughters aged 16, 18, and 25.
He said Norway has made significant strides in ensuring girls and women have equal opportunities to pursue their ambitions.
“In my country, my daughters can become whatever they want,” he said. “They could grow up to be a prime minister, a general, a national police director, an astronaut, or even a professional footballer. Opportunities are not limited by gender.”
He noted that such opportunities allow talent to flourish and contribute to national development.
As an example, Haugsdal cited prominent Norwegian footballers including Erling Haaland and Ada Hegerberg, who plays for Olympique Lyonnais Féminin.
“Equality creates space for talent to grow,” he said. “When girls and boys are given the same opportunities, they can both excel and inspire future generations.”
The ambassador also highlighted the broader social and economic impact of gender equality, noting that Nordic countries, including Norway, consistently rank among the world’s top performers in development indicators published by the United Nations.
According to Haugsdal, the success of these countries is partly due to policies that ensure women participate fully in economic and political life.
“Gender equality is not only a moral responsibility,” he said. “It is also an economic necessity. In Norway, women’s participation in the workforce contributes more to our economy than our oil and gas revenues combined.”
Turning to the situation in South Sudan, the ambassador expressed concern over recent developments and the resurgence of violence in parts of the country, including reports of tensions in Akobo.
He warned that armed conflict often leads to increased cases of sexual and gender-based violence, with women and girls bearing the greatest burden.
“When violence escalates, women and girls are often the first and worst affected,” Haugsdal said. “Sexual and gender-based violence increases during conflict, and the consequences for survivors and communities can be devastating.”
He stressed that behind every statistic is a human story.
“These are not just numbers,” he said. “Each victim is someone’s mother, sister, daughter, or cousin. Ending this violence must be a priority for everyone.”
Haugsdal called on all parties to avoid further escalation and instead commit to dialogue and peaceful engagement.
“We urge all actors to choose dialogue over violence,” he said. “Peace and stability are the foundations for protecting women’s rights and ensuring a better future for the country.”
During the same event, gender advocate Angelina Bazugba underscored the importance of women’s participation in leadership, governance, and peace processes. She said meaningful progress requires collective action from communities, institutions, and international partners.
Bazugba referred to the theme “Give to Gain,” saying it reflects the idea that investing in equality ultimately benefits the entire society.
“Progress comes when we give our time, our voices, and our solidarity,” she said. “In return, we gain equality, peace, and prosperity.”
She emphasized that women across South Sudan have played a critical role in reconciliation efforts, often bridging divides within communities affected by conflict.
Bazugba also called for stronger protection of women’s rights, greater participation of women in the constitutional drafting process, and increased investment in education and leadership opportunities for women and girls.
“Give equality, gain peace. Give education, gain prosperity. Give protection, gain justice. Give voice, gain unity,” she said.
Both speakers urged the government, civil society organizations, and international partners to work together to strengthen women’s participation and create conditions that allow women and girls to thrive.
They emphasized that ending violence against women and advancing gender equality are not only human rights imperatives but also key steps toward lasting peace and sustainable development in South Sudan.
