As of early 2026, hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced by fighting in various parts of South Sudan, following unprecedented violence of a power-sharing agreement between the government and the opposition, consequently deepening an already catastrophic humanitarian situation. The International Organization for Migration reports of 267,000 people displaced across Jonglei, Lakes, Upper Nile and Central Equatoria States. Systematic and strategic violations including forced recruitment of boys, child abductions and widespread sexual violence have consistently been reported by the UN, while internal displacement rose in 2025 by almost 40 percent to more than 3.2 million people.
Jonglei state has been particularly affected by intense violence. In counties such as Akobo, Duk, Nyirol, and Uror, insecurity, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and severe restrictions on humanitarian access have forced communities to flee their homes.
Akobo, a key stronghold of SPLA in opposition forces in Jonglei, illustrates the scale of the crisis. In March, government forces ordered aid agencies and tens of thousands of civilians to evacuate ahead of a planned military operation. Organisation property has been looted and vandalized, while community water infrastructure including motorized wells, have reportedly been destroyed, leaving entire populations without safe water. The closure of Akobo Hospital alone is expected to deprive around 200 women per month of skilled delivery care including life-saving treatment for complicated pregnancies.
With airstrikes ongoing and humanitarian access shrinking, the United Nations warned of a relapse into civil war. Meanwhile, elections scheduled for December 2026 appear increasingly uncertain amid escalating violence and limited political commitment to a genuine peace process.
Why women’s leadership matters now more than ever
While all South Sudanese communities are suffering, women and girls bear disproportionate burdens. Harmful gender norms continue to exclude women from formal political processes and peace negotiations, even as they hold communities together in times of crisis. Conflict-related sexual violence is widespread and is used as a weapon during clashes and militarized cattle raids. Survivors face stigma, limited access to services, and near-total impunity for perpetrators.
Beyond conflict-related abuse, women face systemic inequalities including early and forced marriage, limited access to education, economic marginalisation, and weak legal protection. Fragile state institutions leave many without meaningful avenues for justice or accountability.
Despite systemic barriers, women across South Sudan are rising – seeking justice, equality, and leadership opportunities. Too often, their voices are silenced and their rights are being are ignored. It’s high time to stand with them. Evidence from peace processes worldwide shows that when women participate meaningfully, agreements are more durable and communities more resilient. Supporting women’s leadership is therefore not only a women’s issue, but one that relates to the peace and security of communities as a whole.
Building pathways to inclusive governance
Initiatives grounded in the Women, Peace and Security-agenda demonstrate what is possible.
The Gender Responsive Oversight cohort trainings – implemented with support from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany under the Empowering Women Influence-programme – strengthen inclusive governance by bringing together women-led civil society organisations, legal professionals, and female Members of Parliament along with male allies. By fostering collaboration and building technical capacity for legislative reform and advocacy, these initiatives enable women’s voices to shape national priorities rather than merely respond to crises.
A call to act now
South Sudan stands at a critical crossroads. Without sustained international engagement and support for inclusive peacebuilding, the country is sliding back into full-scale war – with more devastating consequences for millions of people.
Initiatives as Gender Responsive Oversight have laid a strong foundation for a new generation of gender advocates, legislators and peacebuilders. However, sustaining this progress requires concrete follow-up:
- Institutionalize Gender Responsive Oversight within the Transitional National Legislative Assembly to ensure accountability and long-term change
- Strengthen dialogue between parliament and civil society through structured platforms for collaboration
- Mobilize sustained resources to expand training, community outreach, peace advocacy work and legal support for survivors
South Sudanese women are building peace under extraordinarily difficult conditions. What they need now is consistent political backing, resources, and meaningful and genuine inclusion in decision-making. Supporting their leadership is not only a matter of justice — it is one of the most effective ways to hold communities together, prevent renewed conflict and build a stable future for the country.
