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.
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.
The project prioritises direct engagement with young people, women, and PWDs to help them take on leadership roles in their communities.
Community outreach and media engagement are key components of the project, ensuring that its impact reaches beyond direct participants.
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.