Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021)

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An Intervention Study on Enhancing Women's Political Agency in South Sudan, 2021–2026

Susan Roberts, Department of Advanced Studies, Catholic University of South Sudan
DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.18355223
Published: January 23, 2026

Abstract

This intervention study examines the persistent deficit in women’s substantive participation in formal political processes in post-conflict South Sudan. It investigates how entrenched patriarchal norms and institutional barriers marginalise women’s political agency, notwithstanding constitutional guarantees. The research assessed the efficacy of a multi-faceted, culturally situated programme (2021–2026) designed to enhance women’s political knowledge, skills, and networks. A rigorous mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative surveys with 450 women across three states and qualitative data from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with participants, community leaders, and political stakeholders. The intervention featured structured leadership workshops, mentorship pairings with incumbent female councillors, and established community advocacy forums. Results demonstrate a statistically significant increase in participants’ political self-efficacy and civic knowledge. Analysis revealed that sustained peer networks were a critical factor in building resilience against socio-political pushback. However, structural barriers within political parties persisted. The study contends that locally embedded, skill-based interventions can cultivate a more robust pipeline of women political actors, contributing to inclusive governance. It concludes that sustainable advancement necessitates complementary, high-level advocacy for institutional reform, proposing a replicable model for similar post-conflict contexts.

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How to Cite

Susan Roberts (2026). An Intervention Study on Enhancing Women's Political Agency in South Sudan, 2021–2026. African Journal of Women’s Studies, Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021), 6-20. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18355223

Keywords

Women's political agencySouth Sudanpost-conflict governancegender mainstreamingparticipatory action researchAfrican feminismpolitical participation

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Vol. 1 No. 1 (2021)
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African Journal of Women’s Studies

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