The Government of South Sudan and UN Women on Thursday launched a 2 million dollar project to strengthen women’s participation in politics and leadership in the country.

The three-year project (2023-25) to be implemented by UN Women and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) aims to tackle structural barriers hindering women's participation, inclusion, and advocacy efforts.

The fund launched under the theme “Women’s Leadership and Political Participation during South Sudan’s Transitional Period” is funded by Norway, Sweden, and Netherlands and will target women and young women at the margins of decision-making, political leadership, and participation and building social cohesion and peace.

Speaking during the launch in Juba, National Parliamentary Affairs Minister Mary Nawai said there cannot be any sustainable peace, security, or development without the effective participation of women.

“The participation of women in politics is a fundamental right of everyone, especially young women,” she asserted. “The participation of women in politics is the process of identifying and understanding the challenges women face in our country. It allows you to raise your voice and look for solutions to address these challenges.”

For his part, Peterson Magoola, the UN Women's Country Representative in South Sudan, said the project will provide women with more space in politics.

“We know that as we conclude these processes to go towards elections, it is timely that women are prepared to take steps in upcoming elections and this is the time when women should be empowered and when they should be exposed to knowledge and strategies through which they can lay a foundation for their participation in the leadership,” said Magoola.

Titus Osundina, UNDP’s Deputy Resident Representative in South Sudan, reaffirmed the UN's commitment to promoting gender equality in the country.

“That UNDP remains committed to the partnership to promote gender equality and women empowerment and reducing vulnerability and strengthen gender issues in the country,” he said. - Radio Tamazuj