By Alan Clement
Women remain largely excluded from leadership positions in South Sudan’s political parties despite the constitutional requirement for at least 35 percent female representation, according to the Political Parties Council (PPC).
Deputy Chairperson Lola Loduro James said that while women are visible in party structures, most occupy low-level or administrative positions with few holding key decision-making roles.
“Among the 29 registered political parties, almost all women serve as treasurers,” Loduro said during a recent workshop for journalists in Juba.
She noted that despite perceptions that women are better financial stewards, top leadership positions such as chairpersons, secretaries general and deputies remain dominated by men.
“They say women keep money well that they won’t take anything. But when you look at chairpersons, secretaries-general, or deputies, they are mostly men.”
Loduro also revealed that only three political parties in South Sudan are currently led by women one by Agnes Lukudu, another by Hon. Nyibol, and another by the late Teresa Sirisio, who passed away recently.
The Deputy Chairperson described the situation as “symbolic representation,” not meaningful participation, urging political parties to move beyond tokenism.
“We talk about 35 percent representation, but when you go deeper, you find that women are there just to fulfill the numbers,” she said adding, “That is not transformative participation. It’s symbolic, and it must change.”
South Sudan’s Transitional Constitution and the Revitalized Peace Agreement both mandate at least 35 percent representation of women in public institutions. However, implementation has been slow, and women activists have repeatedly warned that parties often appoint women to meet quotas without giving them real decision-making power.
With the country preparing for its first national elections since independence in 2011, women’s groups have called for stronger enforcement of gender provisions and for political parties to enshrine the quota in their own constitutions.
The PPC Deputy Chairperson urged political parties to adhere to the affirmative action provisions of both the Transitional Constitution and the Revitalized Peace Agreement and urged women to take an active role by joining and registering with political parties, saying many complain about exclusion without being formal members.
“If you want to participate in politics, whether you’re in media or civil society, you must register in a political party,” she adding “That is where decisions are made.”
Loduro further challenged party leaders to create conditions that enable women’s full participation, including flexible meeting schedules and childcare arrangements.
“Ask yourself will your husband allow you to attend late meetings? Will parties provide daycares for mothers? Or will they send women to make tea while decisions are being made?” she asked.
“These are the realities we must address,” she stressed.
Despite the challenges, Loduro praised the PPC’s gender composition, saying the council itself is 40 percent female; far higher than the minimum requirement.
“The Political Parties Council is a gender-sensitive institution,” she said.
“We are 40 percent women and 60 percent men, exceeding the 36 percent threshold. That shows progress, but we know there is still a long way to go,” she added.
Loduro also appealed to the media to amplify women’s voices and promote positive role models to inspire younger generations.
“The media must play a key role speak out, mentor younger women journalists, and open spaces for women leaders. We need the media to challenge stereotypes and support women who are trying to make change,” she emphasized.
South Sudan’s peace agreement and constitutional reforms guarantee women’s participation across all sectors of public life. However, implementation remains slow, and women activists have repeatedly called for stronger enforcement of gender provisions within political institutions.
“We are not asking to compete with men. We are saying we can contribute to nation-building. A society in which women’s voices cannot be heard is not less women; it is less human,” she concluded.