• Hon. Esther Ikere Eluzai, Undersecretary Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare

• Mr. Guang Cong, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General of the UN

• Ms. Delphine Serumaga, Country Representative of the UN Women South Sudan

• Hon. Dr. Riang Yer Zuor, Chairperson of the National Constitutional Review Commission,

• Distinguished Guests,

• Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. It an honor to address you all at this important workshop dedicate to discuss on how to enhance the active role of women’s leadership in the constitution-making process in the Republic of South Sudan.

2. This meeting comes at a very climactic moment in South Sudan’s transitional period– a moment that calls for bold and farsighted leadership, cessation of hostilities, des-escalation of violence, inclusive political dialogue, and reconstitution of Agreement implementing mechanisms to ensure a return to full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.

3. The ongoing hostilities in some areas of the country raise concerns regarding the commitment of the Parties to the R-ARCSS and whether they are going to accomplish the pending tasks of the R-ARCSS to usher in the country towards its first post-independent democratic elections in December 2026.

4. As RJMEC, we have been engaging with various national, regional and international interlocutors in a bid to prevent violence, de-escalate the ongoing tension, and to appeal for an inclusive political dialogue as the way forward. Consequently, the swift efforts of the regional leaders, envoys, the IGAD Summit, AU Peace and Security Council, the AU Panel of the Wise, the joint IGAD Deputy Executive Secretary and the AU Commission Chairperson’s solidarity mission to South Sudan, the United Nations general efforts were a demonstration of the regional and international community commitment towards the South Sudan peace process.

5. Time is of the essence if we are to collectively deliver elections as scheduled. One of the critical pending tasks for elections is the making of the permanent constitution, which require full participation of the whole spectrum of South Sudanese society in which the role of women should be recognized as of paramount importance. 

6. Women’s participation in constitution making is not simply a matter of policy preference; it is a fundamental right, enshrined in international treaties such as the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Maputo Protocol. These instruments affirm that women must have an equal voice in shaping the laws and institutions that govern their lives.

7. In South Sudan, the need for women’s leadership in constitution making is even more urgent. South Sudan’s history of conflict has left deep scars, and women have borne unique and disproportionate brunt – from displacement and loss of livelihoods to conflict related sexual and gender-based violence as well as exclusion from decision-making. Ensuring women’s meaningful participation is therefore not only a legal obligation, but also a critical step toward finding lasting solutions to the challenges which the country faces.

8. The Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCSS) recognizes this imperative. As you may be aware, the Agreement includes specific gender provisions to support women’s effective participation at every stage of the constitution-making process. 

9. Of particular significance are the Women’s Empowerment Bill, which aims to provide a robust legal framework for women’s participation, and the Women’s Enterprise Fund Bill, designed to help women rebuild their livelihoods, meet their basic needs, and thereby free up time and resources for civic engagement.

10. Furthermore, the Revitalized Peace Agreement’s commitment to 35% affirmative action is a milestone for gender equality in South Sudan. This provision calls for women’s representation at all levels of the constitution-making process, including in all the relevant subcommittees, ensuring that women’s voices are not just heard, but are prominently reflected in shaping the future of South Sudan.

11. Women as the guardian of the family and the nation as well as flag bearer of lasting peace in society, any political, economic, and social transformation cannot succeed without their active and inclusive participation

12. As we embark therefore, on this workshop, let us remember that women’s leadership in constitution making is not only about justice and rights, it is also about building a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive South Sudan for all. I urge each of us to engage fully, to listen attentively, and to work collaboratively to advance the cause of women’s leadership in this historic process.

13. I wish you fruitful deliberations during the workshop.

I Thank You.