South Sudan Gender Symposium - In advance of the International Engagement Conference

Read the Dec. 13 Press Release from UN Women and Inclusive Security

Read the Gender Symposium Women's Statement

Read the Gender Symposium Summary

Mary Kojo's Speech at the International Engagement Conference

Sarah James' Speech at the International Engagement Conference


On July 9, 2011, South Sudan became the world’s newest nation. After decades of war with the government of Sudan, Africa’s once largest state, the people of South Sudan voted to separate and form a new country. Women comprise the majority of this new state - over 65 percent of the total population.

Women played a vital role in the liberation struggle during the war, and continually came together across borders to advocate for peace between the warring sides. Many refused to be victim to war, and instead played critical roles as peacemakers, advocates, and interlocutors; as combatants; as supporters during the war caring for wounded and ensuring children an education; and as leaders of community groups and civil society organizations that continued to deliver services like health care and education.
South Sudan’s women continue to participate. As a result of women mobilizing, the post-independence National Transitional Constitution guarantees women at least 25 percent representation in the executive and legislative branches, but not in the judiciary. Women hold 4 of 29 cabinet posts, as well as 88 of 382 seats in the National Legislative Assembly – almost reaching the 25 percent quota.

However, women also face staggering challenges in South Sudan. Early marriage and poor access to education and health services, including a 92 percent illiteracy rate amongst women and one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, make the struggle for inclusion a steep uphill climb.

The transition to a new nation offers a unique window of opportunity for women.

On December 14 & 15, 2011 in Washington DC, the global community will gather with members from the government of the Republic of South Sudan for the first time since independence to discuss plans to ensure the peaceful development of the country at the South Sudan International Engagement Conference (IEC).

The International Engagement Conference will invite citizens of South Sudan, and thus offers a unique opportunity to ensure multiple voices are included in planning for the management of oil revenues, the strengthening of government institutions, the delivery of education and health care, and much more.

In the lead up to the Conference, UN Women and The Institute for Inclusive Security will co-host a two-day Gender Symposium in Washington, DC on December 12 and 13. The Symposium will bring together South Sudanese women leaders from civil society and government to discuss their priorities, share them with donors and policymakers, and ensure that they are reflected in the discussions at the IEC.

Up to 15 South Sudanese women from government and civil society will attend the Gender Symposium. They will engage with media and speak to the international community. All will attend the IEC as official delegates.

The Gender Symposium will close with a reception on the eve of the IEC hosted by United States Ambassador-at-Large  for Global Women's Issues, Melanne Verveer. The delegation of women from South Sudan will preview their recommendations at the reception. Other distinguished speakers will include US Special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan Ambassador Princeton Lyman, USAID Deputy Administrator Don Steinberg, UN SRSG Hilde Johnson, and senior officials of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan. The closing reception will be from 6pm – 8pm on Tuesday, December 13 at the Marriott Wardman Hotel in Washington, DC.

Show your support for women's voices in the South Sudan Development Plan! Join our page on facebook to stay updated as the South Sudanese women arrive and events unfold the week of Dec. 12.

For more information about Inclusive Security's work in Sudan and South Sudan, please contact Farah Council.

Dec. 13 Press Release from UN Women and Inclusive Security
Gender Symposium Women's Statement
Gender Symposium Summary

Concept Note for the Gender Symposium Dec. 12 and 13
Agenda for the Gender Symposium Dec. 12 and 13
Program for the Gender Symposium Reception Dec. 13
Invite to the Reception Dec. 13

Read the Inclusive Security publication Gender Symposia During Donor Conferences: A Model to Guarantee Women Leaders A Voice in Setting Priorities for Reconstruction (July 2010 Update)