SOUTH SUDAN

Youth and women in South Sudan take centre stage in new civic engagement initiative

JUBA, South Sudan 27 March, 2025

A new initiative aimed at strengthening civic engagement and leadership among youth, women, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) has been launched in Western Equatoria and Unity States. Funded by the United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF), the project is led by LM International South Sudan and co-implemented by Active Citizen South Sudan (ACSS) and Rural Development Action Aid (RDAA) in collaboration with local partners.

The initiative seeks to empower marginalised groups by ensuring their voices are heard in governance processes, peacebuilding efforts, and community decision-making structures. It comes at a time when the need for inclusive participation in public affairs is more pressing than ever.

Building bridges between leaders and communities

One of the project’s key objectives is to strengthen the capacity of government and community leaders to work alongside youth and women in decision-making.

  • 74 duty bearers, including state and county officials, will receive specialised training to become peace champions.
  • 10 Peace Committees will be established at state (2) and county (8) levels, providing a platform for dialogue and action.
  • 42 high-level government and civil society leaders will be trained to support peacebuilding initiatives.

Encouraging youth and women’s active involvement

The project prioritises direct engagement with young people, women, and PWDs to help them take on leadership roles in their communities.

  • 74 young leaders, women, and community figures will be trained in governance, civic education, and leadership.
  • 10 Peace Committees will develop localised action plans, focusing on conflict resolution and community cohesion.
  • Intergenerational dialogues will be organised to bring youth and elders together, encouraging collaboration and understanding.

Spreading the message of peace and inclusion.

Community outreach and media engagement are key components of the project, ensuring that its impact reaches beyond direct participants.

  • 80 advocacy booklets will be distributed, educating communities on the importance of civic participation and peacebuilding.
  • 16 radio talk shows will be aired across both states, raising awareness about human rights, governance, and gender equality.
  • 10 community sensitisation sessions and 10 sports or cultural events will engage over 2,400 participants, using creative and interactive methods to promote social cohesion.

Driving change through strong local partnerships

ACSS and RDAA are at the forefront of this bold initiative, leveraging their deep-rooted experience in youth leadership, peacebuilding, and women’s empowerment to drive meaningful, lasting change. This project is not just about education: it is about breaking barriers, challenging societal norms, and ensuring that youth, women, and marginalised groups have a decisive role in shaping the nation’s future.

'It is never a weakness to sit and dialogue peacefully; rather, it is a sign of maturity and accountability. Peace will never come through violence, as proven in our country, South Sudan, today. We have witnessed the consequences of violence all these years, and we still thirst for peace. Can we try and test peaceful resolution of conflicts? This project gives us the opportunity we have longed for: to engage youth and women in voicing their issues and experimenting with peaceful means of conflict resolution,' says the Deputy Executive Director RDAA.

‘Changing people's mindsets is a process. True development can only be realized if everyone is an active participant in decision-making processes. The launch of the UNDEF project puts youth and women’s perspectives at the forefront and opens the way for inclusive societal views in building peace in our society’ – adds the Executive Director of ACSS.

At a time when South Sudan faces pressing governance and peace challenges, this initiative stands as a beacon of hope and resilience, one that is paving the way for inclusive leadership and a stronger, more united future.