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From Household Chores to Leadership: YWCA South Sudan Targets Gender Norms Holding Women Back

Juba, South Sudan — For many women, the path to leadership does not begin in a boardroom or community meeting. It begins at home—with who cooks, who cleans, who cares for children and who makes decisions.

The Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) of South Sudan is seeking to challenge these everyday inequalities through the Gender Action Learning System (GALS), a participatory methodology designed to help communities examine and transform harmful gender norms.

The organization conducted a GALS training in Juba on August 15, 2026, bringing women and men together to reflect on gender roles, household responsibilities, decision-making and power relations.

The intervention comes amid concerns that unequal domestic responsibilities continue to limit women’s participation in leadership, community activities and economic opportunities.

According to YWCA South Sudan, women and girls often shoulder much of the unpaid care and domestic work, including childcare, cooking and cleaning. The burden can leave women with little time to attend meetings, participate in training or engage in income-generating activities.

The organization says previous engagements showed that some women identified heavy household workloads as one of the major barriers preventing them from participating fully in community and leadership activities.

YWCA South Sudan argues that simply training women to become leaders cannot address the problem if they return to households where responsibilities and decision-making remain unequal.

That is where GALS comes in.

Rather than focusing exclusively on women, the methodology encourages men, women and other community members to examine how their own attitudes and practices may contribute to gender inequality.

During the sessions, participants used practical tools to map household workloads, identify barriers, develop personal and family visions and agree on

*Chad Bombing Reignites Debate Over Turkey’s Role in Sudan War*

Sudan’s war has entered a more dangerous phase after violence spilled across the country’s borders, raising fresh concerns over the regional consequences of the conflict and the growing involvement of foreign powers.

The Chadian army has accused the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) of carrying out an airstrike against a convoy inside Chadian territory.

According to the Chadian General Staff, the attack occurred at about 8 p.m. on August 20 in the Mourdi department of Ennedi-Est province, near the Sudanese border. It said aircraft and drones believed to belong to the SAF or its allies pursued and struck the convoy more than 100 kilometres inside Chad.

The convoy was reportedly carrying reinforcements for the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which the Sudanese army regards as a rebel group.

The United States has condemned the reported airstrikes and called for an end to external military support for Sudan’s warring parties.

Massad Boulos, the US President’s Senior Adviser for Arab and African Affairs, said Washington opposed the expansion of violence beyond Sudan’s borders and stressed that there is no military solution to the conflict.

“The parties must immediately accept a humanitarian truce, protect civilians, and allow unhindered humanitarian access,” he said.

Boulos also called for the United Nations arms embargo, currently focused on Darfur, to be expanded to cover the whole of Sudan. He accused foreign powers of contributing to the escalation of the conflict.

“The UN Security Council must also act with urgency to ensure that the arms embargo and sanctions regime reflect the realities of the conflict today and hold those fueling and expanding this war accountable. External financial and military support to the warring parties must stop,” he said.»

The United States has also warned that external support is intensifying the war, while the growing use of armed drones is complicating efforts to advanc

*Dry Spell Deepens Hunger Crisis in Eastern Equatoria as Government Calls for Urgent Agricultural Support*

JUBA, South Sudan — A prolonged dry spell has disrupted agricultural production in Eastern Equatoria State, worsening food insecurity in several communities and contributing to reported hunger-related deaths in some of the worst-affected areas.

State Minister of Agriculture Ochola Bosco Oringa said the dry conditions experienced between June and July severely affected the first agricultural season, resulting in poor crop yields.

“The production for the first season is very poor this year,” Oringa said.

Eastern Equatoria is one of South Sudan’s major agricultural regions, with farming providing livelihoods and food for communities across the state. The minister identified Torit, Magwi, Ikotos and Budi among the areas heavily engaged in agricultural production.

However, the prolonged dry spell disrupted planting and crop development, placing additional pressure on households dependent on farming.

Lafon among hardest-hit areas

According to Oringa, Lafon County is among the areas that suffered the most from the dry conditions.

He also identified parts of Torit, including Torit East and Kele Payam, as well as Kapoeta North, Kapoeta South, Kapoeta East and parts of the Kidepo Valley, as areas severely affected.

The minister said the government received reports of people dying from hunger in Lafon and Kele.

“The dry spell cost the lives of people. People in Lafon died of hunger due to the dry spell, even in Kele also,” he said.

Oringa said information received from the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission indicated that about eight people had died.

However, separate reports from humanitarian and community sources have cited higher figures, highlighting the need for authorities and humanitarian organisations to independently verify the scale of the deaths and food crisis.

Rain offers limited relief

Rainfall returned in parts of the sta

*Mapaw 2 Community Pledges to End GBV and Child Marriage*

Juba, South Sudan — Setptember 01, 2026 — Residents and community leaders in Mapaw 2 Community/Boma have pledged to strengthen efforts against gender-based violence (GBV) and child marriage after signing a declaration seeking to make the area a GBV-free zone.

The declaration was signed Friday at Government Market Square during a community gathering attended by traditional leaders, women and men’s groups, government representatives and residents.

Participants discussed poverty, harmful social practices and limited economic opportunities as factors that can contribute to child marriage and violence against women and girls.

Manuela, an Amref Health Africa representative, urged residents to report cases and intervene when they encounter child marriage or violence.

“We want the child to go to school. If you hear any case, be an agent to stop it,” she said.

Traditional leader Sultan Marial said poverty can pressure families to marry off their daughters. He called for greater livelihood opportunities, including farming, and urged programmes to include men as well as women.

Nhial, a male champion involved in the Men for Women initiative, called on men to challenge behaviours that contribute to violence.

“As men in the community, we are happy with this initiative. Let us make change in this community as men and not allow GBV to continue,” he said.

Sarah Nyawal, a member of a Mother-to-Mother Support Group, said community savings activities have helped women meet household needs, including school fees and healthcare costs. She called for continued support for women’s savings and income-generating activities.

A community drama portrayed a poor family considering marrying their daughter to a wealthy man to escape financial hardship, highlighting economic pressures that can contribute to child marriage.

Government calls for end to silence

Nunu Diana Alison, Director General at the State Ministry of Gender, Child and social welfare

Fears grow over funding as Wau peace dialogue offers hope

March 29, 2026 WAU

A civil society organization has concluded a two-day peace dialogue in Wau County, bringing together government officials, community leaders, and civil society actors to address rising tensions, amid concern that progress could be reversed if funding ends.

The discussions, organized by the Development Alliance Legacy for Mama Angue and Awan Child Care Solidarity (DALMAS) and supported by the International Organization for Migration, convened 36 participants from Wau County and Wau Municipality, including traditional leaders, youth, and women. They focused on key drivers of conflict, such as cattle-related disputes, hate speech, and preparations for upcoming elections.

“This two-day dialogue brought together government officials, traditional leaders, women, youth, and civil society actors,” said James Umuor Maciek, DALMAS director. “We are now moving from theory to practice.”

Recurring clashes between host communities and pastoralists moving cattle through contested areas remain a major source of insecurity.

“One of the biggest challenges in Wau County is conflict related to cattle keepers,” Maciek said. “There are tensions between host communities and pastoralists. This has created repeated conflict and insecurity.”

He added that the disputes are driven by multiple factors beyond cattle movement, including historical grievances, political dynamics, and economic pressures. Some conflicts involve influential actors linked to business and security networks.

Despite these challenges, participants said the dialogue is helping shift attitudes.

“People are beginning to see that violence is not the solution — dialogue is,” Maciek said.

Still, he warned that gains remain fragile. “If the project ends now, many gaps will remain, and the progress we are seeing could be lost,” he said.

Limited reach was another concern, particularly in remote areas where conflict is most intense.

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*A Fresh Start for Torit’s Women Traders as New Market Stalls Open*

TORIT, Eastern Equatoria State March 17, 2026 Under the bright sun in Torit town, a group of women gathered around a newly constructed shelter, their baskets of fresh vegetables neatly arranged on clean tables a sharp contrast to the dusty ground where many once traded.

For years, vendors like Mary Luka sold produce in difficult conditions, often exposing food to dirt and health risks. But that reality is beginning to change following the official opening of new vegetable market stalls built by the Whitaker Peace & Development Initiative (WPDI) with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC).

The facility, handed over to the Torit Women Cooperative Group and municipal authorities, is already impacting at least 245 people most of them women striving to support their families through small-scale trade.

Construction of the market began in November 2025 as part of a broader effort to revive local markets and create safer, more organized trading spaces. Beyond infrastructure, the initiative reflects a growing push to strengthen community resilience amid economic uncertainty and declining humanitarian assistance.

“This is primarily to help you become self-sufficient,” said WPDI Country Manager Dagu David during the handover ceremony, urging traders to make full use of the opportunity while maintaining the facility.
For many women, the new stalls represent more than just a workplace they symbolize dignity and hope. “The construction will make us stand strong with the current crisis,” said trader Martha Peter, pointing to the absence of regular incomes such as government salaries.
Local leaders also see the project as a turning point.

Mayor Oyito Baptist Soforonio described the launch as the realization of a long-awaited dream, encouraging the community to embrace entrepreneurship and shared responsibility in sustaining the market.
Women leaders echoed similar sentimen

MUNDARI COMMUNITY TWO-DAY DIALOGUE KICKS OFF IN TEREKEKA

Terekeka, Central Equatoria State – 14 January 2026

A major peace and reconciliation dialogue bringing together community leaders, elders, youth and women from the Mundari community has commenced in Terekeka County, with calls for unity, accountability and improved cooperation among local groups.

The two-day forum, which opened Monday, is being spearheaded by youth and community leaders with support from local authorities. Organizers say the gathering seeks to address internal challenges facing the Mundari community and foster a shared vision for long-term peace and development.

Terekeka County Commissioner Emmanuel Laku, who presided over the opening, reaffirmed the county government’s endorsement of grassroots approaches to peacebuilding. He urged participants to take ownership of their community’s stability.

“Peace cannot be imposed from outside. It must come from within the community. The county government fully supports this dialogue and any effort that promotes stability, coexistence and development in Terekeka,” Commissioner Laku said.

Bush Buse, Chairperson of the Organizing Committee, described the forum as a critical intervention at a time when internal rifts threaten unity.

“This dialogue is meant to give our people a platform to speak openly, resolve misunderstandings and rebuild trust among ourselves. As Mundari, we must take responsibility for our peace and future,” Buse noted, urging participants to exchange views honestly and work toward implementable solutions.

Youth representatives echoed similar sentiments.

Terekeka Youth Association Chairperson, Marko Majok, underscored the role of young people in breaking cycles of conflict.

“The youth are committed to peace. We want to be part of the solution, not the problem.

This dialogue gives us hope that our voices will be heard and our concerns addressed,” Majok said.
The dialogue will cover topics including reconciliation, the role of traditional l

Sout Al Shaab: New Youth-Led Movement Launches to Champion Nonviolence and Citizen Empowerment in South Sudan

A new South Sudanese youth-led initiative, Sout Al Shaab (Voice of the People), has officially launched with a bold vision to reshape civic engagement and advance nonviolent social change across the country. The movement was unveiled during a press statement attended by members of the media, invited guests, and members of the public.

Positioning itself as a nonviolent, non-profit and non-partisan social movement, Sout Al Shaab aims to mobilize and organize citizens to influence public policy, strengthen decision-making processes, and promote community-driven actions. The initiative envisions an “informed citizenry acting as agents of social, economic and political transformation for sustainable peace and development in South Sudan.”

According to the founders, the movement seeks to play an active role in nation-building through peaceful and grassroots engagements. It plans to advocate for justice, equal rights, and inclusive governance while amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens. The platform will also support a wide range of peacebuilding interventions, including civic education, public debates, mediation, dialogues, capacity-building programs, and lawful civil actions such as litigation and petitioning.

Organizers emphasized that the country’s ongoing challenges—many of them human-made—highlight the urgent need for a civic movement grounded in nonviolence. They commended the resilience of South Sudanese communities, noting that their endurance continues to inspire the birth of new ideas and homegrown solutions.

“Sout Al Shaab is born out of the belief that our motherland thirsts for constructive, peaceful engagement,” the statement read. “Dear Shaab, be a voice anywhere and everywhere. Together, we will make nonviolence a new normal for the current and future generations.”

The movement encourages citizens from all walks of life to join its efforts in promoting accountability, justice, and lasting peace through peaceful means.

For more information or to engage with the initiative, Sout Al Shaab invites the public to reach out through its official communication channels.

Digitel, SSAF Sign 10-Year Deal to Boost Athletics and National Unity

Juba , south Sudan

Nov 21, 2025
Digitel Telecommunications and the South Sudan Athletics Federation (SSAF) have signed a landmark 10-year partnership aimed at transforming athletics and empowering young talent across the country. The agreement was formalized during a ceremony in Juba attended by Digitel executives, SSAF officials, athletes, and media representatives.

SSAF Secretary-General Adv. Marco AkoL described the partnership as a powerful collaboration built on shared goals. He said Digitel’s support comes at a time when the federation is striving to strengthen athlete development, expand national competitions, and raise South Sudan’s global sporting profile.

Digitel Chief Commercial Officer Mr. Abdul emphasized that the deal is more than a sponsorship—it is an investment in the nation’s youth. He said Digitel was impressed by the success of the 2024 Independence Marathon and was committed to sustaining such initiatives. According to him, the company aims to nurture homegrown champions capable of competing internationally.

Digitel EVP De Chan Awoul reaffirmed the company’s focus on community support and national unity. He announced plans to develop the Digitel Independence Marathon into a world-class annual event open to all South Sudanese, expatriates, and regional athletes from Uganda, Kenya, and beyond. He said participation from all 64 tribes would make the event a symbol of peace and national pride.

Key Clarifications from Digitel

During a media Q&A, Digitel clarified its nationwide approach, stating that athletes from all 10 states and the three administrative areas will be supported. The company also revealed plans to use digital platforms for athlete registration and communication.

Digitel explained that the 120 million SSP previously displayed represented historical spending on athletics. The new agreement includes $10,000 annually for 10 years, plus additional support for marathon organization, athlete training, and infrastructure improvements at Buluk Stadium.

SSAF Looking Ahead

SSAF confirmed plans to invite regional athletes to future marathons and expand its kids’ athletics program in Wau, Torit, Aweil, and other towns. Marco said South Sudan has natural talent across sprints, field events, and marathons, and the partnership will help unlock that potential.

The signing concluded with a group photo session, marking the start of a long-term collaboration expected to reshape the nation’s athletic future.

UNDP, Cooperative Bank Sign Deal to Boost Rural Finance in South Sudan

November 21, 2025 — JUBA
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Cooperative Bank of South Sudan on Friday signed a landmark agreement aimed at expanding financial services for farmers and rural enterprises, in what officials say is a major step toward transforming South Sudan’s agricultural economy.

The partnership is part of the seven-year Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Development (READ) project, a multi-donor initiative designed to improve credit access, strengthen cooperatives, and build financial literacy in seven counties. The project is supported by a $20 million grant from IFAD, alongside contributions from the Government of South Sudan ($1.4 million), Cooperative Bank ($1.8 million), UNDP ($1.4 million) and local communities ($700,000).

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Caroline Mwongera, IFAD Country Director, said the agreement marks “a transformational step in strengthening South Sudan’s rural financial systems.” The project aims to reach 162,000 beneficiaries, including women (50%) and youth (70%), with the goal of improving productivity, market access, and community resilience.

Representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Evans Kenyi Solomon, Technical Adviser, said cooperatives will play a central role in driving rural growth. “Youth and women empowerment is not a side agenda—it is the engine that drives peace, prosperity, and resilience in this country,” he said, calling cooperatives the bridge linking farmers to inputs, markets, and finance.

Cooperative Bank Managing Director Elijah Wamalwa said the deal crowns years of preparation. “A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step,” he said. The bank plans to expand rural credit schemes, roll out agency banking, and introduce a new mobile-based financial platform to reach remote communities. “We want a future where a farmer in Nimule or Torit can access credit as easily as someone in Juba,” he added.

UNDP Deputy Representative Ligane Sene highlighted the project’s role in diversifying the oil-dependent economy and reducing food imports. He said cooperative groups can boost production through economies of scale and support South Sudan’s transition toward a cashless economy.

The READ project will operate in Aweil, Renk, Nzara, Yambio, Maridi, Terekeka, and Magwi.