A photo of Eva during the pannel discussion at the IGAD Youth Peace and Security Conference in Nairobi.(photo credit, IGAD)
Eva Christo, Program Officer at EVE Organization for Women Development, represented the South Sudan Women’s Coalition for peace at the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) Youth Peace and Security Conference in Nairobi Kenya, highlighting the crucial role of South Sudanese women in driving peace.
The conference, organized by IGAD, brought together youth peace-builders, policymakers, civil society, and international partners to amplify youth voices in regional peace and security frameworks. The gathering aimed to strengthen youth leadership, foster cross-border solidarity, and generate actionable policy recommendations in line with the IGAD Youth Policy (2021–2030) and the UN Youth, Peace and Security agenda.
During her intervention, Christo emphasized how women in South Sudan have played an unprecedented role in shaping the country’s peace architecture before the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) in 2005 between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) to date.
Christo also noted that this was particularly evident through the South Sudan Women’s Coalition, which secured consistent representation in the peace process.
“Having women representatives in peace mechanisms was not happening before,” Christo explained.“But through the South Sudan Women’s Coalition, women ensured continuous contributions on a monthly basis. Direct engagement with negotiators became a key pillar of peace.” She added
She further stressed that women were not passive observers but active actors who engaged with negotiators and warring parties. “Women conducted several advocacy meetings with different stakeholders to push for the implementation of peace in South Sudan,” she said.
Christo also highlighted the unity and resilience of South Sudanese women during the peace process.“What made it work was the unity and coordination among women. Despite the challenges, their determination and resilience carried the process forward, from the CPA negotiations to today,” she stressed
Her contribution during the panel discussion reflected a broader reality; South Sudanese women have not only been witnesses to history but also active change makers, shaping dialogue, advocacy, and negotiations at critical moments.
“Delegates from the IGAD region unite to amplify youth and women’s voices in peace and security.”
Eva Christo’s intervention at the conference highlighted the vital role of South Sudanese women in peacebuilding, emphasizing their active engagement in negotiations and advocacy efforts. Her representation at such a high-level regional platform demonstrates the importance of centering women and youth in all peace and security discussion.
