Women across South Sudan have been urged to rise, unite and take their rightful place in leadership positions.
Anna Tuna Richard, designated speaker of the Western Equatoria Transitional Legislative Assembly, delivered a powerful message at the opening of the 4th National Convention of the Young Women Christian Association (YWCA) in Yambio.
“Once a leadership position is given to you, show that you can. There is nothing a woman cannot do that a man can do. If we come together, as women, we become stronger,” Tuna Richard said.
She called on women to actively participate in governance and support one another.
The two-day convention, themed “Empowering Young Women for Sustainable Leadership,” will include the election of a new board, featuring the chairperson, deputy chairperson, finance officer, program coordinator, and youth coordinator.
The event also serves as a platform for accountability and reflection on the organization’s work over the past five years.
Tuna Richard stressed the importance of overcoming tribalism and divisions among women, noting that unity is key to breaking historical barriers in leadership.
She urged women to compete for positions in finance, investment, and governance, and to support female candidates in upcoming elections.
“If another woman is appointed, anything will follow. Let us stand behind her. If we are divided, men will take the chance. But if we stand together, we will succeed,” she added.
The convention drew support from faith leaders, including Bishop Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, who praised women’s capacity for leadership, likening them to Mary, mother of Jesus, as models of wisdom, resilience, and peace building.
The event also highlights the ongoing struggle for gender equity in South Sudan.
Despite the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement guaranteeing 35% representation for women, no woman currently servesas a state governor a concern raised by rights activist Edmund Yakani in recent weeks.
By aligning with global initiatives such as the Geneva Women’s Convention on Leadership and Peace building and the Maputo Protocol, Tuna Richard’s message emphasizes that women’s leadership is not just a national priority it is an international standard.
The YWCA convention is more than a meeting; it is a call to action, aiming to prepare women for sustainable leadership, strengthen their participation in decision-making, and inspire a generation that can transform South Sudan’s political and economic landscape.
“The era of sitting behind is over. It’s time to advocate, compete, and lead,” Tuna Richard concluded.
