EVE Organization for Women Development conducted a three-day civic engagement and electoral process training in Juba, Wau, Torit, and Yambio, bringing together 120 participants , including civil society actors, activists, women and youths, persons with disabilities, and members of parliament.
The initiative aimed to strengthen civic engagement, promote inclusivity, and prepare communities for meaningful participation in upcoming elections.
Over the three days, participants engaged in interactive sessions on electoral laws and regulations, civic education, advocacy strategies, and inclusive participation mechanisms. Discussions underscored the vital role that CSOs and CBOs play in community sensitization, electoral transparency, and amplifying marginalized voices.
A key highlight of the training was ensuring accessibility for all citizens. Sign language interpreter a member of South Sudan National Association of Sign Language Interpreter (SSNALI) Sebit Juliano Ladu emphasized the importance of information accessibility.
“For democracy to be truly inclusive, information must be available in formats that everyone can understand. Through sign language interpretation, we are bridging a gap that often leaves the deaf community excluded from key national processes such as elections.”
Participants shared how the training empowered them to act in their communities. Andrua Sarah James, a woman living with a disability and member of the South Sudan Women with Disability Network, said:
“For a long time, people with disabilities have been left out of decision-making spaces. This training is giving us the knowledge and confidence to demand our rights and participate fully in the electoral process. Our voices matter, and we want to be part of building a peaceful and democratic South Sudan.”
Across all towns, participants reflected on broader challenges facing South Sudan’s democratic process, including limited access to information, weak civic awareness, and the underrepresentation of women and persons with disabilities in politics. Despite these hurdles, they left the training equipped with practical skills and strategies to promote voter education, peaceful elections, and inclusive governance in their communities.
In her closing remarks, EVE Board Member Dr. Siham Osman Muhammed underscored the importance of active civic participation.”
“Election is our only hope in the country. Each participant here has the power to educate, mobilize, and ensure that democracy in South Sudan leaves no one behind.”
She highlighted the urgency and responsibility that defined the workshops, which was convened to empower citizens to play an active role in shaping South Sudan’s democratic future.
This initiative is part of EVE’s ongoing commitment to strengthening civic engagement and advancing inclusive democracy. By equipping CSOs, CBOs, and marginalized groups with tools to participate meaningfully in political processes, EVE continues to affirm its belief that South Sudan’s democratic journey can only succeed when no one is left behind.
