Women’s Rights Advocates Urge South Sudanese Women to Contest December 2026 Elections

By Simon Deng

Women’s rights advocates are urging South Sudanese women to seek leadership positions and actively participate in the country’s political and electoral processes in the lead-up to the December 2026 general elections.

Namisio Joy Bage, Executive Director of the Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA) South Sudan, called on women to seize leadership opportunities at community, state, and national levels. She also encouraged women-led organizations to strengthen cooperation and amplify women’s voices in decision-making spaces.

“We call on women-led organizations across South Sudan to strengthen their cooperation and build stronger relationships to amplify women’s voices in decision-making spaces. We further encourage women to consider contesting for elective positions in the planned December 22, 2026 elections,” said Bage.

This appeal was made in Juba at the start of a two-day training on Women, Peace, and Security. More than 30 women attended the training, organized by Oxfam and the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA), in collaboration with the YWCA of South Sudan.

The training program, themed “From Participation to Leadership: Empowering Women for Peace and Security,” aims to enhance women’s understanding of leadership, civic rights, electoral participation, and the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.

Bage noted that participants are also being trained in intergenerational mentoring, women’s safety, advocacy, coalition-building, and collective action. She emphasized that leadership at any level can help women gain experience and influence decisions affecting their communities.

Asaminew Kassa, Acting Country Director of Oxfam South Sudan, highlighted the particular importance of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda as women prepare for the electoral process.

“UN Security Council Resolution 1325 calls for women’s increased participation in decision-making and peacebuilding. We encourage young women to remain focused on their ambitions and pursue leadership opportunities regardless of gender,” said Kassa.

He added, “Women should identify the spaces where they can participate meaningfully. We urge them to engage as voters, aspirants, observers, mobilizers, peace advocates, and community educators.”

This two-day training, designed to equip participants with practical knowledge and tools to promote women’s meaningful participation in peace and security and the electoral process, is part of broader efforts by civil society and women-led organizations to strengthen women’s involvement in peacebuilding, civic processes, and leadership.