By Ngor Deng Matem
Hon. Ajok Wol Atak, former Member of Parliament and wife of Gen. Paul Malong Awan, has called for women in polygamous families to be respected, heard, and included in decisions affecting their families.
In a personal reflection, Ajok said she was not opposed to polygamy as a cultural or family practice but expressed concern about women who may feel unheard, emotionally neglected, or excluded from family decisions.
“I am not speaking against polygamy as a cultural or family practice. I respect the traditions and values within which many South Sudanese families live,” Ajok said.
Speaking from her personal experience, she said living in a polygamous family had taught her that a woman can be educated, successful and respected in public life while still experiencing loneliness and difficult moments at home.
“The issue is not simply whether a marriage is polygamous or monogamous. The deeper issue is how people treat one another within that marriage,” she said.
Ajok called for communication, fairness, compassion, and mutual respect within families, saying women should be able to express their concerns and participate in decisions affecting their lives.
“A woman should be able to express her concerns without fear of being ignored. She should have a voice in matters affecting her family,” she said.
She also urged families to preserve their traditions while ensuring that women are valued and able to maintain their identity.
“I respect tradition. I value family. And I believe that dignity and mutual respect should be at the heart of both,” Ajok said.
Polygamous marriages are practised in several African societies, including South Sudan, where customary practices continue to play an important role in marriage and family life.
However, debates over women’s rights, equality and decision-making within such marriages remain part of wider discussions on family and cultural practices.