Women political leaders and civil society representatives in South Sudan have launched a cross-party platform to strengthen women’s political participation and leadership ahead of the anticipated December 2026 elections.
The Women Cross-Party Forum was officially launched during a two-day workshop in Juba under the theme, “Women Rising Beyond Political Divides: One Vision, One Voice, Unstoppable Leadership.”
The initiative aims to bring women from different political parties and civil society organisations together to promote cooperation, strengthen their leadership capacity and increase their participation in decision-making.
Hon. Dr. Lona James Elia, the forum’s founder and adviser, said the initiative emerged from the need for women to overcome political divisions and collectively address barriers to their participation in politics.
She said the idea initially received mixed reactions but gained momentum through support from the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), particularly its Political Affairs Division.
“What began as an idea has become a movement, and what seemed impossible is now becoming a reality,” Lona said.
She urged women to maintain solidarity despite political differences and called for transparent efforts to mobilise resources for aspiring women candidates who lack the financial means to contest elections.
“The time for working in isolation is over. This time is for unity, solidarity and collective action,” she said.
Hon. Victoria Benjamin Mosese, chairperson of the Women Cross-Party Forum, said the platform was established earlier in 2026 to strengthen cooperation among women across political affiliations.
She said its objectives include improving women’s understanding of democratic processes, building their capacity to participate in elections and promoting peaceful, inclusive and credible electoral processes.
Mosese urged participants to translate lessons from the workshop into practical action within their respective organisations, stressing that the forum’s success would depend on tangible results rather than attendance alone.
Alawia Kai, a political affairs officer at UNMISS, welcomed the initiative, describing cooperation among women from different political parties and civil society organisations as an important step towards greater solidarity.
She commended the forum’s leadership for sustaining the initiative and reaffirmed UNMISS’s commitment to supporting activities that advance women’s political participation.
Meanwhile, Prof. Dr. Julia Aker Duany, chairperson of the South Sudan Women’s Union, encouraged women to embrace leadership and participate more confidently in politics.
She urged women to assess political leaders based on their ability to address citizens’ needs, including healthcare, education, food security and economic welfare.
As the anticipated December elections approach, the forum faces the challenge of converting its commitments into practical support for women candidates and greater representation in political leadership.
