South Sudan’s Gender Ministry to Train Constitutional Review Members on Women’s Charter
By Michael Daniel | Published: 2 hours ago
Initiative Aims to Strengthen Gender Equality in Constitution-Making Process
Juba, Central Equatoria – The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare has unveiled plans to conduct specialized training for members of South Sudan’s National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC) on the Women’s Charter. This initiative seeks to foster a more inclusive and equitable legal framework in the country’s constitution.
Key Announcement at Women’s Leadership Forum
Hon. Esther Ikere Eluzai, Undersecretary at the Ministry, made the announcement during a forum focused on women’s leadership in constitutional processes. She emphasized that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) includes crucial gender-responsive provisions.
“The 35% affirmative action policy creates an enabling environment for women’s participation in transitional processes,” Eluzai stated. “We must capitalize on this by enhancing women’s capacity, ensuring their representation in decision-making, and safeguarding them from harassment and violence.”
Women’s Charter as Advocacy Tool
The Women’s Charter, developed with UN Women’s support, will serve as a critical advocacy instrument for gender equality within the constitutional framework. The Ministry is currently preparing to validate and disseminate the Women’s Declaration – a key document derived from the charter – to major institutions including:
- National Constitutional Review Commission (NCRC)
- Political Parties Council
- National Elections Commission
International Collaboration and Legal Review
The charter’s development involved comparative analysis of constitutional provisions from several nations, including Kenya, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, and India. A comprehensive legal review was completed in December 2024 with assistance from the African Union’s Women, Peace, and Security Council.
International Support for the Initiative
UN Women Country Representative Delphine Serumaga praised the initiative, stating: “This presents a unique opportunity to institutionalize the gains from R-ARCSS and ensure women’s voices shape South Sudan’s future.” She emphasized the need for early civic education and women’s mobilization.
RJMEC Chief of Staff Ambassador Berhanu Kebede stressed the importance of implementing the peace agreement’s gender provisions, while UNMISS Deputy Special Representative Guang Cong reaffirmed the mission’s commitment to supporting women’s participation in governance.
Path Forward
The training program aims to equip women leaders with the skills needed to actively contribute to constitutional development, promoting long-term peace, inclusion, and justice in South Sudan. The forum’s outcomes will be formally submitted to the NCRC for consideration in the constitutional review process.
Source: Eye Radio