(JUBA) – Efforts to strengthen gender equality and expand women’s participation in economic and political life are gaining renewed attention in South Sudan, following coordinated discussions between government institutions and international partners focused on unpaid care work, leadership inclusion and peacebuilding frameworks.
UN Women South Sudan is working with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare to promote recognition of unpaid care and domestic work as part of broader economic development planning. The initiative is framed within a wider policy discussion on how care responsibilities affect women’s access to education, income opportunities and leadership roles.
Officials and partners have highlighted the care economy as a potential driver of structural change in gender relations, with emphasis on reducing the unpaid workload that is largely carried by women and girls in households and communities.
According to Minister Nuna Rhoda Rudolf Ndefu, improving the care economy could significantly shift the economic position of women by freeing time for productive activities, education and participation in leadership processes.
Stakeholders argue that increased investment in care related services and systems would have broader economic and social benefits, including stronger household stability and improved workforce participation.
In parallel, UN Women and national partners have been advancing discussions on the Women, Peace and Security agenda through validation of a draft strategic framework designed to guide implementation in South Sudan.
The consultation process brought together government representatives, civil society actors and development partners to build consensus on priorities including localisation of peacebuilding efforts, improved coordination mechanisms and expanded partnerships at community level.
Participants in the discussions emphasised the need to strengthen women’s participation in peace and political processes, improve protection systems and ensure that women’s perspectives are reflected in decision making structures across national and local institutions.
The process is viewed by stakeholders as part of broader efforts to strengthen inclusive governance and improve the sustainability of peacebuilding initiatives through wider representation.
Attention has also been drawn to the participation of young women in leadership and civic engagement, with partners noting that while they are active in community level change, they remain underrepresented in formal political and peace structures.
UN Women South Sudan, working with the Ministry of Peacebuilding and the Political Parties Council, alongside support from development partners including the Peacebuilding Fund, Norway and the European Union, is supporting initiatives aimed at increasing youth and women participation in governance processes.
Policy discussions have also highlighted concerns over declining representation of women in decision making structures, with current figures falling below the agreed 35 percent target in some areas of governance.
Stakeholders have stressed the importance of strengthening political engagement, governance systems and institutional support mechanisms to protect and expand women’s representation in leadership roles.
There is also growing emphasis on supporting women led organisations, which are seen as critical actors in sustaining progress on gender equality and peacebuilding objectives.