South Sudanese women demand inclusion in decision-making to prevent conflict
May 8, 2025 (JUBA) – South Sudanese women leaders on Thursday called for their meaningful inclusion in national decision-making processes to help avert conflict, citing the severe suffering women endure when political disputes escalate into warfare, often planned without their input.
Vicky Nyanut Mawien, a national legislator, highlighted the disproportionate burden on women. “The concern has always been why men do not involve women in decision-making when planning for war,” Mawien stated. “Women in this country are usually surprised and made to bear the brunt of conflicts instigated by men… [they] are now struggling to raise families after men instigated war.”
She argued that women must actively participate in decision-making at all levels to ensure that laws, policies, and practices address their specific needs and perspectives.
The call comes amid resumed hostilities between the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) and fighters loyal to the Sudan People’s Liberation Army in Opposition (SPLA-IO). Activists report that during such conflicts, children often grow up amid brutal raids. At the same time, women are forced on dangerous journeys to find safety, all while shouldering an increased burden of care.
This suffering has prompted women leaders and activists to urge concerted international efforts to ensure women’s participation in all critical discussions, from financial support and reconstruction to humanitarian aid and justice for victims. “Only through women’s inclusion at all levels can their needs be met and rights protected,” they emphasized.
Illustrating the current dangers, Dr. Pal Chol, a South Sudanese medical doctor, condemned recent aerial bombardments in Upper Nile and other areas as “uncalled for.” In a commentary circulated on social media, he said, “These people now hiding are not part of what is going on in Juba. They don’t deserve what they are being subjected to.”
He questioned military tactics, asking, “Why don’t the SSPDF target their enemy (SPLA-IO) positions instead of targeting civilians?” Dr. Chol was reacting to a video clip reportedly showing women, children, and the elderly seeking refuge near a water catchment in Old Fangak to avoid military aircraft pursuing armed opposition groups.
Analysts and activists have widely described the bombing of civilian settlements as unjustified, potentially amounting to war crimes and violations of international humanitarian law. They have urged the international community to support women suffering human rights abuses amid the renewed hostilities.
These activists also stressed the need to ensure the safety of civilians in war zones and their access to essential aid, including healthcare. Furthermore, they noted that gender-based violence (GBV) is often aggravated in conflict-affected regions due to insecurity, the erosion of the rule of law, impunity for perpetrators, and the stigma surrounding the disclosure of such violence.
(ST)