The Active Women Arise Africa organisation continues to play a leading role in advancing women’s empowerment across South Sudan, driving initiatives aimed at strengthening participation, independence, and equality for women nationwide.
Speaking to Oz Arab Media, Chairperson Martha Nyakueka highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by women in the country, emphasising the urgent need for greater inclusion at both national and grassroots levels. She called on the Transitional Government of National Unity to significantly increase women’s representation across all levels of leadership.
Nyakueka stressed that women must not be excluded from senior government roles, noting that they deserve equal opportunities alongside their male counterparts. She further advocated for more women to be appointed to key positions, including commissionership roles, to ensure balanced and inclusive governance.
Echoing this sentiment, the organisation’s Executive Director reaffirmed that empowering women remains a top priority. She explained that Active Women Raise Africa has been actively delivering training programs designed to equip women with leadership, business, and life skills—enabling them to build independence and resilience.
However, significant barriers remain. Many women continue to face challenges such as high taxation and ongoing insecurity, both of which hinder their ability to grow and sustain businesses. Despite these obstacles, the organisation’s community capacity-building initiatives have made a tangible impact, providing women with opportunities to achieve financial independence and support their families.
The organisation also remains committed to expanding access to essential services, including education and healthcare, particularly for women and girls in isolated and underserved communities. These efforts aim to create long-term socio-economic opportunities and improve overall quality of life.
Nyakueka underscored that true empowerment requires addressing the systemic structures that perpetuate gender inequality. She urged the government to take meaningful action in creating a more just, inclusive, and prosperous society for women.
“The journey is far from over,” she noted, “but with continued commitment and action, gender equality is within reach.”
Across South Sudan, women are increasingly emerging not only as survivors of conflict and hardship, but as leaders, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. With greater access to political participation, economic opportunities, and social justice, they are helping shape a future where gender equality becomes a lived reality rather than a distant goal.
