Silenced women in South Sudan now making their voices heard (By UN News)
Juba, South Sudan (PANA) - Reprimanded for wanting to go to school as a young girl, then ignored and despised as an adult, Awrelia, originally from Wau in South Sudan, has learned to stand up for her rights, those of her children and those of the women in her community.
She knows what it means to be silenced: born into a family that didn't believe in educating girls, she had to stay home while her brothers went to school. It was only when she moved to Khartoum, Sudan, with her uncle that she had the chance to study, and even then, only briefly.
“I was forced into marriage at 14,” Awrelia recounts. “Even before that, some members of my family would reprimand me simply for going to school. I fought to finish primary school, but I couldn’t go any further,” she testified.
Despite everything, she never gave up on the value of education, especially for her daughters: "I hope they will become responsible and accomplished women leaders. Things need to change for girls."
The silence of a widowed mother
In South Sudan, where conflict and gender norms have profoundly shaped the lives of entire generations, the shift towards equality is slow. Yet, women like Awrelia demonstrate resilience and determination.
A widow and mother of eight, she constantly has to deal with complex family dynamics, such as financial insecurity and stigmatization. "Their father died when they were very young. My eldest was still in primary school," says Awrelia. "I've been raising them alone ever since."
In public spaces, the difficulties are even greater: "We are expected to endure in silence. Even when women try to ask for help, no one responds," she laments.
As the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, observed annually on 25 November, approaches, Awrelia described how women are often ignored or devalued: “We are told we are just women, as if our voices don’t matter,” she said. “For years, I remained silent for fear of speaking out.”
A crucial training
But even before she spoke out, Awrelia was already taking action in her own way, fighting for her children's education and ensuring the unity of her family. This strength grew when she participated in a women's leadership training programme organised by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Wau.
This training is part of IOM's "transformative recovery" programme, which aims to strengthen women's leadership and ensure their participation in community decisions.
This five-day training programme builds upon existing and active women's groups throughout South Sudan, providing them with a safe space to reflect, learn, and grow together. "I learned that being a leader means treating others fairly and resolving problems patiently," said Awrelia. "The training gave me the courage to stand up for myself. Now I know I can be a leader."
Back in her community, she put her newfound confidence to good use. Her local women's group had nearly collapsed, but she strengthened it. Now, they meet regularly to support each other and share their struggles. Although they lack funds for income-generating activities like sewing or catering, the group continues to offer something equally valuable: solidarity.
Women leaders in households
In many areas of South Sudan affected by population displacement, women head up to 80% of households.
In Wau, Bentiu, Malakal, and other areas where IOM conducts training, more and more women are getting involved. Those who were previously silent are now speaking up at meetings, supporting survivors of violence, and building networks to share their experiences and move forward together.
Awrelia has noticed a change in how she is perceived: "People recognize me now," she says. "At a meeting with chiefs and women leaders, they mentioned my name and honoured me in front of everyone. I was proud. The women I lead respect me, and I respect them."
From homes to community halls, women like Awrelia are making their voices heard and redefining what the future can look like, for their daughters, their families and their country.
-0- PANA MA 23Nov2025
