South Sudan continues to be struck by social and political instability due to violence and series of interconnected shocks. These challenges risk reversing the peacebuilding gains and key milestones realized from the implementation of the 2018 revitalized peace agreement. The Agreement brought renewed impetus towards stabilizing the fragile situation in the country. Despite undertaking significant reforms to rebuild from civil wars, women in representation in decision making remains the minimal due to widespread lack of capacity and confidence of women, cultural barriers considering women as second-class citizens and a general lack of implementation of the 35%. In August 2022, the Roadmap to the 2018 Agreement extended the transitional period and stipulated elections to be held in December 2024. Later, in September 2024, an additional two-year extension to the Agreement was announced, resulting in the postponement of elections to December 2026. These elections will be South Sudan’s first elections as a sovereign state and women and female youth must seize this opportunity to stand for political positions at all levels.

GVO advocates for women participation in politics and decision making at all levels by addressing barriers to women’s participation in politics through dialogues with local and political party leaders; supporting media houses to disseminate communication strategies to advocate for increased women’s participation in politics and decision-making; popularize the provisions of the Political Parties Act, Women Empowerment Bill/Act etc.