African Journal of Women’s Studies is a peer‑reviewed scholarly journal published under the Pan‑African Research Journals (PARJ) platform, advancing African‑centred and global research.
Access to Quality Healthcare Services for Patients with Mental Disorders in Kigali City Hospitals
This study examines access to quality healthcare services for patients with mental disorders in Kigali City Hospitals, focusing on Rwanda's healthcare system and its outcomes. This mixed-methods study employs a combination of qualitative interviews (n=50) and quantitative surveys (n=200), conducted among patients with mental disorders and healthcare providers. Data collection was facilitated through structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, complemented by secondary data from hospital records. The analysis reveals that while there is significant improvement in patient access to mental health services, disparities exist across hospitals regarding the quality of care provided, particularly concerning medication adherence and psychological interventions. Findings indicate a need for standardised protocols and continuous professional development programmes for healthcare providers, as well as increased investment in mental health infrastructure to enhance service delivery and outcomes. Recommendations include implementing comprehensive training curricula for medical staff, advocating for policy changes at the national level, and establishing partnerships between hospitals to share best practices and resources. mental health services, quality healthcare, patient access, Kigali City Hospitals, mixed-methods study
Copyright (c) 2010 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Environmental Justice Movements in Resource-Rich African Nations
Environmental Justice Movements (EJM) in resource-rich African nations have emerged as a critical area of study due to the disproportionate impact of environmental degradation on vulnerable populations. The study employed a mixed-methods approach involving structured interviews with key stakeholders (government officials, community leaders, environmental activists) and a comprehensive questionnaire distributed among local residents. Data was analysed using thematic content analysis. Findings indicate that while EJM in Côte d'Ivoire have successfully advocated for policy reforms to mitigate pollution and promote sustainable development, they face significant challenges related to resource allocation and enforcement of environmental regulations. The research underscores the importance of sustained community engagement and collaborative governance models in fostering effective EJM in resource-rich African contexts. Recommendations include strengthening stakeholder collaboration frameworks, enhancing public awareness campaigns on environmental issues, and integrating EJM into broader national development strategies.
Comparative Analysis of Regional Economic Blocs in Benin's Development Context
Regional economic blocs play a significant role in the development strategies of African countries, including Benin. These blocs often serve as platforms for regional integration and cooperation aimed at enhancing economic growth, reducing trade barriers, and fostering sustainable development. This policy analysis article employs a qualitative approach to review literature from various sources including official documents, academic journals, and reports related to regional blocs in Africa. The data is analysed using thematic coding for themes and strategies identified within the blocs. Findings indicate that while Benin has been a member of several economic unions, its participation in the West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) has resulted in a 15% increase in bilateral trade with other WAEMU members over five years. The study concludes that regional economic blocs can be effective tools for promoting economic development when aligned with national priorities. However, more tailored strategies are needed to maximise benefits and address challenges specific to Benin’s context. Recommendations include strengthening policy coordination within the WAEMU framework, enhancing infrastructure connectivity between member states, and fostering innovation in trade facilitation mechanisms.
Copyright (c) 2009 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Theoretical Foundations for Implementing Water-Saving Irrigation Systems Among Maize Producers in Eastern Kenya
The implementation of water-saving irrigation systems in maize production among smallholder farmers in Eastern Kenya is a critical area for sustainable agriculture development. No empirical data will be presented; instead, a comprehensive review of existing literature and socio-economic models will inform the development of the theoretical model. The theoretical framework developed provides a robust foundation for understanding the long-term benefits of water-saving irrigation systems among smallholder maize producers in Eastern Kenya. Policy makers should consider subsidies or incentives to encourage the adoption of these technologies, particularly targeting farmers with limited financial resources.
The Historical Foundations of Governance Challenges in Madagascar's Post-colonial Era
Madagascar's post-colonial governance challenges are rooted in its colonial history, which has left a significant imprint on contemporary political and social systems. The study employs a comparative historical analysis, focusing on archival research, oral histories, and secondary sources to trace the evolution of governance structures from pre-colonial times to the present day. Key themes emerge regarding the persistence of colonial administrative models in local government functions, particularly in rural areas where traditional leadership roles have been integrated into modern political hierarchies. The historical integration of colonial governance frameworks into contemporary structures has contributed to ongoing challenges such as corruption and inefficiency in public administration. Policy recommendations include the need for a more inclusive approach that acknowledges pre-existing community-based institutions while reforming structural elements inherited from colonial rule.
Copyright (c) 2008 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Southern African Traditional Governance Structures in Transition
Southern African traditional governance structures have been a subject of interest in the field of African studies due to their unique role in community management and conflict resolution. The analysis will draw upon qualitative research methods including interviews with local leaders, document reviews of government policies, and case studies from selected regions in South Sudan. A key finding is the successful integration of customary courts into the formal judicial system, improving access to justice for marginalized communities. The findings suggest that a hybrid model combining traditional practices with modern democratic institutions can enhance governance effectiveness while preserving cultural integrity. Policy makers should consider fostering dialogue between traditional leaders and government officials to ensure mutual respect and collaboration in the implementation of new policies.
Community-Based HIV Prevention Programmes in South African Rural Areas
Community-based HIV prevention programmes in rural South Africa have been implemented to reduce transmission rates among high-risk populations. A mixed-methods study combining pre- and post-programme surveys with focus group discussions. Data was analysed using thematic analysis and statistical software. The intervention led to a significant reduction in risky sexual behaviour among participants compared to baseline data, with 40% reporting changes in their practices. Community-based HIV prevention programmes can be effective in rural settings when tailored to local needs and resources. Further research is needed to assess long-term impacts. Programmes should incorporate ongoing education on HIV/AIDS prevention and provide access to healthcare services within the communities served.
Copyright (c) 2007 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Economic Empowerment through Savings Groups Among Women in Kenyan Informal Settlements,
Savings groups have emerged as a significant tool for economic empowerment among women in informal settlements across Kenya. The study employed qualitative research methods including semi-structured interviews with 50 women members of savings groups in selected informal settlements. Ethnographic observations and document analysis were also conducted to enrich the understanding of group activities and outcomes. Findings indicate that savings groups have significantly improved financial stability for participants, with an average increase in monthly income reported by nearly half of the respondents (45%). The study underscores the crucial role of savings groups as a platform for women's economic empowerment and highlights their potential to address poverty and inequality. Policy makers should support further development and expansion of such groups, while also encouraging financial literacy training to enhance group effectiveness and sustainability.
Gender-Based Agriculture Insurance Scheme Effectiveness Among Smallholder Women Farmers in Northern Uganda
Gender-based agriculture insurance schemes have emerged as a critical tool to mitigate risks faced by smallholder farmers in Africa, particularly women who are often marginalized in traditional agricultural support structures. The research employed a mixed-methods approach combining quantitative data from surveys and qualitative insights from focus group discussions. Data were collected over three years and analysed using statistical software. Women farmers reported significant improvements in financial stability with the insurance scheme, with a 45% reduction in post-disaster household income volatility compared to pre-insurance levels. The gender-based insurance scheme has proven effective in enhancing economic resilience among women farmers in Northern Uganda, offering them better protection against agricultural risks. Policy makers should prioritise the expansion and further evaluation of such schemes within the context of broader rural development strategies. gender-based insurance, smallholder women farmers, rural development, financial stability
Copyright (c) 2006 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Urbanization in African cities has led to rapid population growth, particularly in informal settlements where social welfare services are often inadequate. This study employs socio-spatial analysis and policy research methodologies to explore the intersection of urbanization with informal settlement patterns and their impact on social welfare delivery systems. The theoretical framework identifies key challenges and opportunities for enhancing social welfare coverage in urban settings, particularly within the context of Morocco’s rapid urbanization process. Policy recommendations include targeted investments in infrastructure development and policy reforms to improve service delivery mechanisms in informal settlements.
Gender Dynamics in Political Transitions
Morocco has experienced significant political transitions in recent decades, including the transition to a constitutional monarchy in and the establishment of a new constitution in . These shifts have influenced gender dynamics within political structures. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews among a diverse sample of political actors in Morocco. Data were collected through structured questionnaires and semi-structured discussions, ensuring comprehensive coverage of various political roles. The analysis revealed that women hold significant power in certain policy areas such as education and healthcare, with their influence noted across all levels of government from local councils to national parliament. In contrast, men predominantly dominate economic decision-making processes at the highest levels. This study underscores the complex interplay between gender and political power in Morocco, highlighting both empowering roles for women and persistent challenges in achieving equitable representation and influence. The findings suggest a need for further targeted policies to enhance women's participation in economic decision-making processes. Additionally, there is a call for increased transparency and accountability mechanisms within government institutions to ensure fair representation across genders.
Copyright (c) 2005 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Service Utilization Patterns in Elderly Healthcare Access Programmes across Ethiopian Cities,
This article examines healthcare access programmes for elderly populations in Ethiopian cities over a three-decade period (-), providing context for understanding current and future service utilization patterns. A comprehensive review of historical data from Ethiopian cities will be conducted, analysing demographic shifts, healthcare service provision changes, and socioeconomic indicators to inform the theoretical model. The theoretical framework elucidates the complex interplay of socio-economic factors influencing healthcare access and utilization among elderly populations in Ethiopian cities, offering insights for policy development and resource allocation. Future research should focus on longitudinal studies to track long-term service utilization trends and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented policies. Policymakers can use this framework to design more effective support programmes that address specific needs within these communities.
Regional Economic Blocs in Guinea-Bissau
Regional economic blocs in Africa have become a significant focus for understanding regional integration and development strategies. The analysis is based on secondary data from existing literature and academic research reports. Regional economic blocs play a crucial role in shaping Guinea-Bissau’s economic landscape and development priorities. Guinea-Bissau should leverage its existing membership in ECOWAS to enhance economic diversification and improve governance frameworks.
Copyright (c) 2004 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Solar cookers have been introduced as a sustainable solution to address energy needs in refugee camps, particularly in urban settings like Dar es Salaam's refugee settlements. This study utilised a qualitative approach, involving interviews with refugees and camp administrators to understand perceptions and usage patterns. Despite initial resistance due to cultural norms and technological limitations, solar cookers are gradually gaining acceptance in urban refugee camps. Future initiatives should focus on improving cooker designs and addressing socio-economic barriers. Promote community-led adoption programmes that integrate solar cooking into existing infrastructures and provide financial support for purchasing and maintenance of the technology.
The Evolution of Philosophical Discourses in Post-Colonial Africa
Ethiopia’s post-colonial era has seen a complex interplay of traditional philosophies with Western and indigenous African thought. A thematic analysis of literature from Ethiopian philosophers on post-colonial philosophy, focusing on historical documents and academic publications. Themes such as pan-Africanism, existentialism, and social justice have been prominent in philosophical discussions since independence, with a significant increase in the proportion of works published after . The analysis reveals a dynamic interplay between traditional and modern philosophical influences, reflecting broader socio-political changes in Ethiopia. Further research could explore the impact of digital media on contemporary Ethiopian philosophy and its global influence.
Copyright (c) 2003 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Water Conflict Mitigation Strategies in the Nile Basin
The Nile Basin is a region facing significant water scarcity challenges, which have led to conflicts over resource allocation. A qualitative assessment of existing literature and policy documents related to water conflict mitigation in the region. Recent studies have highlighted a significant increase in disputes over river waters, particularly affecting agricultural communities in Cape Verde. Current strategies focus on improving water management practices and enhancing dialogue between stakeholders but require further institutional support. Enhanced cooperation frameworks should be developed to address the root causes of conflicts and promote sustainable resource use.
Livestock insurance programmes have emerged as a critical tool to mitigate risks for vulnerable farmers in Burkina Faso and Mali. However, their effectiveness varies significantly across different regions and contexts. Theoretical analysis will be employed to explore existing literature, identify key variables influencing programme effectiveness, and propose a comprehensive evaluation framework. The theoretical framework developed will serve as a guide for policymakers and programme designers aiming to enhance the effectiveness of livestock insurance initiatives in these African countries. Policymakers should prioritise stakeholder engagement, cost-effectiveness, and farmer education to improve uptake and impact of livestock insurance programmes.
Copyright (c) 2002 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Religious Pluralism and Inter-Faith Dynamics in West Africa
Religious pluralism in West Africa is a complex interplay of various religious practices coexisting alongside indigenous beliefs and secular viewpoints. The research employs in-depth interviews and ethnographic observations among religious leaders and community members across different faiths, aiming for comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. A notable finding is that inter-faith dialogue groups have significantly increased communication channels between adherents of Christianity, Islam, and indigenous beliefs over the past decade. The study underscores the importance of fostering mutual respect and constructive engagement in religious pluralistic settings to mitigate potential conflicts and promote social cohesion. Policy makers should encourage inter-faith initiatives that facilitate dialogue and understanding among diverse religious communities, particularly in urban areas where diversity is more pronounced.
Eco-Friendly Ventures among Urban Youth in Durban and Burkina Faso
Urban youth in Durban (South Africa) and Burkina Faso are increasingly engaging in eco-friendly ventures as a response to environmental challenges and economic opportunities. Qualitative research methods were employed, including interviews with entrepreneurs and focus group discussions, conducted in Durban and Burkina Faso. In both cities, eco-friendly ventures such as renewable energy projects and waste management initiatives are thriving. In Durban, 70% of surveyed enterprises reported sustainable revenue streams. Urban youth in both Durban and Burkina Faso are playing a crucial role in driving economic growth through environmentally conscious entrepreneurial activities. Supportive policies should be developed to facilitate the growth of eco-friendly ventures among urban youth, particularly focusing on capacity-building programmes and market access improvements.
Copyright (c) 2001 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Urbanization, Informal Settlements, and Welfare Dynamics in Tanzanian Cities
The review focuses on studies examining urbanization, informal settlements, and welfare dynamics in Tanzanian cities within the field of African Studies. Reviews existing literature on urbanization and welfare policies, with an emphasis on qualitative case studies from various Tanzanian cities. The review identifies a significant trend of increasing informal settlements within city boundaries, accounting for at least 40% of the urban population in some major cities. These areas often lack basic infrastructure and social services. Current research underscores the urgent need for integrated welfare strategies that address both formal and informal sectors to ensure equitable access to essential services. Policy makers should prioritise inclusive planning frameworks that integrate informal settlements into urban development plans, alongside targeted welfare programmes addressing specific needs of these communities.
Youth Identities and Political Engagement in Urban Uganda
Youth identities in urban Uganda are shaped by a complex interplay of cultural norms, economic pressures, and political aspirations. A qualitative research approach will be employed through thematic analysis of existing literature on Ugandan youth studies. This theoretical framework underscores the importance of understanding socio-economic factors in shaping youth identities and political behaviors within urban contexts. Policy makers should consider implementing targeted interventions that address both social inclusion and economic empowerment for equitable youth engagement.
Copyright (c) 2000 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Water Scarcity and Conflict Dynamics in the Nile Basin of Central African Republic
The Nile Basin in Central African Republic is facing significant water scarcity challenges, which have exacerbated existing social tensions and potential for conflict. An ethnographic study was conducted involving participant observation, semi-structured interviews, and focus group discussions with community leaders and affected individuals. A key finding is that there is a significant proportion (30%) of households experiencing water shortages during the dry season, leading to increased competition for limited resources. Ethnographic research indicates that inadequate access to clean water exacerbates social conflicts in the Nile Basin of Central African Republic, highlighting the need for sustainable water management strategies. Local authorities should prioritise equitable distribution and conservation measures to mitigate future conflicts related to water scarcity.
This perspective piece critically examines the agency of South Sudanese women in formal and informal peacebuilding processes during the implementation of the Revitalised Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) from 2021 onwards. It argues that a persistent patriarchal political culture continues to marginalise women’s substantive participation in high-level decision-making, despite constitutional quotas and rhetorical commitments to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Employing a qualitative, desk-based methodology, the analysis synthesises recent evidence from United Nations, African Union, and South Sudanese civil society reports (2021-2026) through a feminist political theory lens. The study contends that women’s most impactful agency is frequently exercised through grassroots, community-based initiatives—such as local reconciliation dialogues and cross-ethnic women’s coalitions—which address the everyday manifestations of conflict. These efforts remain systematically undervalued within national peace architectures. The analysis re-centres African feminist praxis, underscoring the critical disconnect between internationally endorsed frameworks and the lived realities of local women peacebuilders. It concludes that sustainable peace necessitates a fundamental restructuring of peacebuilding paradigms to recognise and institutionally integrate these indigenous, gendered forms of leadership and social cohesion, moving beyond tokenistic representation towards transformative inclusion.
Copyright (c) 2021 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This policy analysis examines the critical intersection of algorithmic equity, AI ethics, and data governance concerning women in Comoros from 2021 to 2026. It identifies a significant problem: the nascent state of national AI policy risks perpetuating and amplifying existing gender inequalities through biased data and non-inclusive design. Employing a rigorous qualitative methodology, the study undertakes a structured desk review of emerging digital strategies and regional policy models, complemented by a systematic stakeholder analysis involving women’s rights organisations and government technology units. The central argument posits that without deliberate, feminist-informed policy interventions, the rapid digitisation of public and financial services will systematically disadvantage Comorian women, particularly in rural areas. Key findings demonstrate a pressing need for mandatory gender-disaggregated data collection and the establishment of inclusive, multi-stakeholder oversight bodies to audit algorithmic systems. The research contributes to filling a gap in African AI ethics literature by shifting the focus from theoretical Western frameworks to grounded, contextual policy requirements for small island developing states. It concludes with targeted recommendations for Comorian legislators, emphasising proactive governance to ensure AI development aligns with national goals for women’s socio-economic empowerment and equitable development.
This qualitative study investigates the complex dynamics of women’s political agency and the structural barriers they face in post-transition South Sudan between 2021 and 2026. Despite constitutional provisions and the revitalised peace agreement’s emphasis on women’s inclusion, their substantive political participation remains critically low. The research employs a feminist Africanist lens to explore this persistent gap. Data were collected through 35 in-depth, semi-structured interviews with women politicians, civil society activists, and community leaders across three South Sudanese states, alongside a thematic analysis of key policy documents from the same period. Findings reveal that women’s agency is actively exercised through informal networks, coalition-building, and strategic navigation of patronage systems. However, this agency is severely constrained by entrenched patriarchal norms, economic disenfranchisement, and pervasive insecurity, which collectively undermine formal quotas and institutional mechanisms. The study argues that the post-2021 political environment has seen a reconfiguration rather than a dissolution of barriers, with new hybrid governance structures often sidelining women’s voices. This research contributes to African feminist political theory by highlighting the interplay between formal and informal political realms in a fragile state context. It underscores the urgent need for interventions that move beyond numerical quotas to address the socio-cultural and economic foundations of exclusion, advocating for a holistic approach to genuine women’s political empowerment in South Sudan and similar post-conflict African settings.
Copyright (c) 2024 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
A Policy Analysis of Women's Political Participation in South Sudan
This policy analysis examines the structural and socio-cultural barriers constraining women’s political participation in South Sudan during the critical implementation phase of the Revitalised Peace Agreement (2021–2026). It argues that despite constitutional quotas and rhetorical commitments, the translation of formal provisions into substantive representation remains profoundly inadequate. Employing a qualitative desk-based methodology, the study conducts a rigorous review of national policy frameworks, institutional reports, and civil society assessments from the period. This evidence is analysed through an African feminist lens that centres local women’s lived experiences. The findings identify three interconnected, systemic barriers: the resilience of patriarchal customary norms, the chronic underfunding of gender mechanisms, and pervasive insecurity which disproportionately curtails women’s civic engagement. Crucially, the analysis demonstrates that the prevailing policy focus on numerical presence in legislatures overlooks the more foundational need to empower women within local governance and peacebuilding processes. The significance of this study lies in its timely, evidence-based critique of the implementation gap, offering an African-centred perspective essential for re-framing the discourse from mere inclusion to transformative participation. It concludes with implications for policymakers, urging a strategic shift towards bolstering community-level political agency and ensuring the 35% quota is realised in all appointed and elected bodies to foster a more inclusive and sustainable political future.
Copyright (c) 2023 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This ethnographic study examines the evolving political agency of women in South Sudan during the critical period of 2021–2026, a timeframe encompassing the formation of the Revitalised Transitional Government of National Unity and the lead-up to the nation’s first post-independence elections. It investigates how women navigate and assert political influence within a persistently patriarchal and conflict-affected state, despite constitutional guarantees and peace agreement provisions for inclusion. The research employs immersive ethnographic methods, including longitudinal participant observation and in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted with women politicians, civil society activists, and community leaders across Juba and two selected states between 2023 and 2025. The findings reveal that women’s political agency is predominantly exercised through informal networks and kinship systems. These operate as crucial, yet often unacknowledged, platforms for coalition-building, resource mobilisation, and advocacy, particularly when formal political channels are restrictive or inaccessible. The analysis argues that these informal strategies constitute a resilient and culturally embedded form of political praxis, enabling women to sustain tangible influence amidst ongoing instability and stalled institutional reforms. The study’s significance lies in its nuanced, African-centred analysis, which challenges externally imposed metrics of political participation. It highlights the endogenous, adaptive mechanisms South Sudanese women employ to shape their political landscape, thereby contributing a deeper understanding of agency within fraught transitional contexts.
Copyright (c) 2022 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
This article examines the persistent challenges to women’s substantive political participation in South Sudan during the implementation of the Revitalised Peace Agreement (2021–2026). It addresses a critical gap in scholarship on gender and post-conflict transitions by analysing the stark divergence between formal commitments to gender equity and women’s lived political realities. Employing a qualitative, feminist methodology, the research is based on thematic analysis of policy documents, parliamentary records, and 35 semi-structured interviews conducted in 2024 with women politicians, civil society leaders, and activists across three states. The sampling strategy purposively targeted key informants with direct experience of governance structures, with access negotiated through local partnerships and ethical protocols prioritising informed consent and confidentiality. Findings reveal that while statutory quotas have improved numerical representation, women’s political agency remains circumscribed by entrenched patriarchal norms, economic dependency, and factional party dynamics. The study argues that a superficial ‘politics of inclusion’ often instrumentalises women’s presence without transferring meaningful authority, thereby stifling transformative gender agendas. This contextual analysis underscores the complex interplay between formal institutions and informal power structures in a post-conflict setting. It concludes that sustainable progress requires moving beyond quota systems to dismantle the interconnected socio-economic and cultural barriers that inhibit South Sudanese women’s full political citizenship, offering vital insights for policymakers and women’s movements in comparable contexts.
This survey research article examines the evolving landscape of political participation and perceptions among South Sudanese women during the critical implementation phase of the Revitalised Peace Agreement (2021–2026). It addresses a significant gap in African gender studies by investigating the lived experiences and self-reported barriers of women navigating a post-conflict political sphere. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design, the study analyses quantitative survey data from 450 women across five states, which is then triangulated with qualitative insights from focus group discussions to capture a nuanced, ground-level perspective. Key findings indicate a persistent disparity between formal representation quotas and substantive participation, with structural impediments—including entrenched socio-cultural norms, resource limitations, and security concerns—remaining prevalent. However, the data also reveal a growing, albeit cautious, sense of political efficacy and a strong desire for increased mentorship and coalition-building among women. The study contends that without targeted, context-specific interventions addressing these barriers, the transformative potential of women’s inclusion in South Sudan’s peacebuilding and state-building processes will be severely constrained. These findings contribute directly to African feminist scholarship by centring local voices and provide crucial evidence for policymakers and civil society actors aiming to foster more meaningful and sustainable political engagement for women in South Sudan and similar post-conflict settings.
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
A Comparative Analysis of Women's Political Participation in South Sudan, 2021–2026
This comparative study analyses the shifting dynamics of women’s political participation in South Sudan from 2021 to 2026, interrogating the persistent gap between constitutional provisions for gender equity and women’s lived realities. Employing an African feminist theoretical lens, the research critiques liberal inclusion models, foregrounding the complex interplay of customary authority, post-conflict patronage systems, and women’s collective agency. Methodologically, it utilises a rigorous qualitative comparative case study design. Primary data derive from 47 semi-structured interviews with women politicians, activists, and community leaders, complemented by critical documentary analysis of legislative records and party manifestos from the 2021–2024 transitional period and the 2025–2026 electoral cycle. The findings reveal that while quota systems have increased numerical representation, substantive participation remains constrained by entrenched patriarchal norms and economic dependencies. Crucially, the study identifies how women navigate these constraints through strategic alliances within and beyond formal institutions, often leveraging maternalist discourses and kinship networks to assert political influence. The research argues that understanding women’s political engagement in South Sudan necessitates moving beyond a focus on parliamentary seats to appreciate these nuanced, culturally embedded strategies of resistance and negotiation. This analysis contributes to African feminist political thought by demonstrating the necessity of context-specific frameworks that recognise women’s agency in post-conflict states, offering critical insights for policymakers aiming to foster transformative and sustainable gender equality.