By Chol D. Johnson and Yiep Joseph
As South Sudan marked International Women’s Day on March 8, calls for peace and an immediate end to hostilities dominated the celebrations, with women leaders stressing that women and children continue to bear the brunt of conflict.
The Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Anita Kiki Gbeho, renewed her call for a ceasefire.
Kiki made the call on Friday during the International Women’s Day celebration held ahead of the official day on March 8, 2026, in Juba.
“I therefore renew my call: the fighting must stop. Again, I say it, the fighting must stop. All parties must prioritize dialogue, and peace must prevail,” she said.
“Women and girls should not bear the brunt of conflict. Sustainable peace requires women’s meaningful participation in negotiations and decision-making,” she added.
Also speaking at the event, Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Nuna Rhoda Rudolf, highlighted the suffering of women and children in conflict-affected areas.
“We are the ones suffering. We are the grassroots. To end conflict in South Sudan, women must stand as one to fight for peace and bring stability to this nation,” Rudolf said.
She added that International Women’s Day is an opportunity to recognize women’s resilience, strengthen communities, and guide society toward peace and progress.
Rudolf called on the South Sudan leaders to focus on dialogue.
At a parallel celebration organized by Nyan Cit Arialbeek, to commemorate the day, the Speaker of the National Legislative Assembly of South Sudan, Jemma Nunu Kumba, praised women as builders of peace and drivers of community development.
“We are peace builders in our communities. We initiate development for our communities, and we build the nation together,” Kumba said.
She also thanked Salva Kiir Mayardit for empowering women and urged them to continue advocating for peace at both local and national levels.
Meanwhile, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of South Sudan, Agnes Adlino Orifs, encouraged women and youth to actively participate in nation-building and upcoming elections.
“We have the election upcoming. So now I challenge you as women across the Republic of South Sudan, and especially our youth, to think about the election,” Orifs said, reiterating the government’s commitment to lasting peace.
International Women’s Day, observed globally every March 8, celebrates women’s achievements and advocates for gender equality across social, economic, cultural, and political spheres.
In South Sudan, this year’s observances underscored the link between peace and women’s empowerment, emphasizing that lasting stability cannot be achieved without protecting and uplifting women and children.
Also, President Salva Kiir Mayardit reiterated government commitment towards women empowerment.
According to the statement from presidential press unit, the head of state promise to ensure women empowerment.
“The women of South Sudan are a source of strength and inspiration for our nation. Their role in our families and communities is invaluable. The well-being of the women and children of South Sudan will always remain among our highest responsibilities, the president said.
“As the world marks International Women’s Day, we celebrate the courage, resilience, and determination of the women of South Sudan – women who continue to nurture families, strengthen communities, and contribute meaningfully to the progress of our nation” the statement partly read.