Young women in South Sudan have been urged to actively participate in politics, leadership, and peacebuilding ahead of the anticipated 2026 elections during a three-day women’s leadership workshop supported by UN Women in Juba.
Speaking at the closing ceremony on Friday, Pia Philip Michael encouraged participants to take bold steps in pursuing leadership opportunities, saying determination and courage are key to success.
Drawing from her personal experience, Pia recounted how she walked from the Central African Republic to Uganda at the age of 15 in search of education despite difficult circumstances.
She said the decision later shaped her future and contributed to her rise into national leadership.
“Nobody will invite you into politics unless you invite yourselves,” she told participants, urging young women to actively engage in decision-making processes and leadership spaces.
She further challenged women not to settle for symbolic positions within political parties, but instead compete for influential roles such as chairperson, deputy chairperson, and secretary general.
Meanwhile, Dr. Peter James Wani highlighted social, economic, and cultural barriers that continue to limit women’s political participation, including limited access to education, financial resources, and societal support.
“Women’s participation in politics is not new. Many women contributed greatly to the struggle for independence and nation-building,” he said.
Dr. Wani also reminded participants that South Sudan’s laws provide for 35 percent affirmative action for women and encouraged them to join political parties that align with their ambitions and values.
“We need to see women represented at the top leadership of political parties because these are the positions where key decisions are made,” he stated.
Huda Ouma Otieno encouraged participants to use the knowledge and leadership skills gained during the training to positively influence their communities and contribute to national peacebuilding efforts.
“You are already leaders. Somebody is looking at you and following you,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of participants, Gilda Sharon described the workshop as a safe and empowering platform that strengthened young women’s confidence in leadership, political participation, and peacebuilding.
Participants and organizers thanked UN Women, the Ministry of Peacebuilding, development partners, and participating organizations for supporting women’s empowerment and leadership development in South Sudan.
