By Baraka John
Young women leaders in Western Equatoria State have called on the government to fully implement the 10 percent youth representation quota provided for in the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS), urging greater inclusion of young women in leadership and decision-making positions.
The call is contained in a communiqué issued on Wednesday following a two-day intergenerational policy dialogue held in Yambio. Participants also raised concerns about insecurity, limited public services, and persistent barriers that prevent young women from actively participating in politics and governance.
The dialogue was held under the Inclusive Governance for Peace Project, implemented by the Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund. It brought together members of parliament, state officials, youth representatives, civil society organizations, and women leaders to discuss challenges facing young women and explore pathways to more inclusive leadership.
In the communiqué, the participants noted that while the peace agreement provides for a 10 percent youth quota, its implementation remains inadequate, particularly in ensuring meaningful participation of young women.
They called on the state government to enforce the quota and ensure that young women are represented at all levels of leadership, including in parliament, ministries, commissions, and senior administrative positions.
“Despite the 10 percent youth quota provided for in the Revitalized Peace Agreement, there has not been sufficient effort to ensure that young women are fully included,” the statement said.
Participants also expressed concern over the state of healthcare services across Western Equatoria, noting that many health facilities are not functioning effectively and that access to sexual and reproductive health services remains limited.
They said the dialogue provided an important platform for sharing experiences and highlighting systemic challenges affecting young women’s participation in leadership.
“Over the past two days, we have shared our experiences and the challenges we face in participating in leadership at all levels, especially in politics,” the communiqué stated. “We directly engaged members of parliament, government officials, and policymakers on the urgent need to improve young women’s participation in governance.”
The participants further raised concerns about shrinking civic space and limited opportunities for young women to engage in political processes.
They also called on government institutions to invest in essential services, including functional healthcare, improved road infrastructure, quality education, and enhanced security, particularly in rural areas where women and girls face increased vulnerability.
The communiqué emphasized that sustainable peace, democracy, and development in South Sudan cannot be achieved without the full and meaningful participation of young women in leadership and decision-making.
The statement was signed by young women leaders from across Western Equatoria State who took part in the dialogue in Yambio.