“A nation can only prosper and develop when young women and men claim the space and participate in decision making processes that affect their lives. South Sudan is a nation of the young and we should embrace education for a better future.” The Executive Director for Eve Organisation for Women Development, Rita Lopidia made this remark during the Incubator (Young Women Leadership Program) Annual Alumni Conference that brought together more than a hundred young women and men.
Supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the Royal Norwegian Embassy in South Sudan, the Incubator is key program launched in 2017 to mentor potential young women into strong and confident leaders to choose a career path and pursue it boldly and give back to their communities.
“I am excited that we are able to launch this conference in a time that the country is going through a lot of changes”. The conference coincided with the formation of the Revitalized Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU). “We hope that we shall go through a democratic process in this country”.
The transition is a crucial period for the young people both women and women to prepare and strategically position themselves for leadership. You can choose any sector but importantly young women should also involve in politics that can change the narrative of South Sudan to that of Justice, Liberty and Prosperity for all. We should participate in the next elections and send our elders to rest and enjoy their retirement.
According to Ms. Lopidia, it is the responsibility of the young people to ensure that they perform the necessary checks and balances during the transition such that the country moves from conflicts to development and to sustainable peace and democracy.
She expressed concerns about the brilliant future of South Sudan that might be missed if the young people do not task themselves to take responsibility about the welfare of women. “We have challenges of girl child marriage, community clashes, cattle raiding, unemployment etc. While globally people are discussing about STEM, crypto currency, technology for relocating to the moon, In South Sudan we are still discussing issues that cannot take us forward such as unknown gunmen and tribalism”.
Meanwhile the representative of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in South Sudan Ms. XXX remarked that the incubator is a good way to develop young women into future leaders and mentors. “Young women are intelligent, diligent and energetic and can move this country forward”.
She termed the season as a critical juncture that requires the participation of women for peace to become sustainable in South Sudan. “Peace provides an opportunity to strengthen public institutions, to strengthen accountability, and education as a unifying factor is a public good valued by all regardless of political affiliation”, she stated. She pledged the Norwegian’s commitment to supporting gender equality in South Sudan.
Hon. Esther Ikere the Under Secretary of the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare applauded EVE for creating a system where opportunities are made available. “EVE has created a space for a new generation of leaders,” she said. She urged the young leaders to use the space to develop themselves so that in the future they can be able to help yourselves.
Hon. Esther advised the youth never to ignore their roles but rather consider the fact that they are assets to the country. “Look at your youthfulness as an asset to yourself and to the country. This is what can lead us to self-confidence as we venture into the world of experience”.
EVE Organization bases its work on national, regional and global policies and frameworks that support its mandate to open spaces and nurture a credible generation of women leaders to participate in nation building, in decision making and in conflict prevention and a peaceful country.
The Alumni Conference bearing the theme “Changing the Narrative”, was aimed at enlightening the young people to prepare to bring about the change that will lead to a peaceful and stable South Sudan.
