From silence to strength: women leaders speak out in South Sudan

She knows what it’s like to be silenced.

Born into a family that did not believe in educating girls, she had to stay at home while her brothers went to school. It was only when she moved to Khartoum with her uncle that she had the chance to study, but not for long.

“I was forced into marriage at 14,” Awrelia said. “Even before that, some of my family members scolded me just for going to school. I struggled to finish primary school, but I couldn’t go any further.”

Despite everything, she never gave up on the value of education, especially for her daughters. “I hope they grow up to be responsible and successful women leaders. Something needs to change for girls.”

Widow, mother of eight children

In South Sudan, where conflict and deep-rooted gender norms have shaped life for generations, change comes slowly – but women like Awrelia are leading it with courage and determination.

A widow and mother of eight children, she spent years raising her children alone, often in difficult and uncertain conditions.

“Their father died when they were very young. My eldest was still in primary school,” says Awrelia. “Since then, I have raised them alone.”

In her daily life, Awrelia constantly faces complex family dynamics, scarcity and stigma, but she keeps going. “People expect us to endure in silence. Even when women try to ask for help, no one responds.”

In public spaces, the challenges are even greater. Speaking before the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women celebrated annually on November 25, Awrelia described how women are often dismissed or ignored. “They say we’re just women, like our voices don’t matter,” she said. “I stayed silent for years because I was afraid to speak.”

Transformative training

But even before speaking out, Awrelia was leading in her own way: fighting for her children’s education and to keep her family together. This strength was strengthened when she joined a women’s leadership training organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Wau.

Training is included in IOMThe Gender Transformative Recovery Program – is part of a broader, locally-led effort to strengthen women’s leadership and ensure their participation in community decisions.

Across South Sudan, women’s groups and grassroots movements have long been paving the way for change. The five-day course builds on this dynamic, providing women with a safe space to reflect, learn and grow together.

I learned that being a leader means treating others fairly and resolving problems with patience. The training gave me the courage to defend myself. Now I know I can lead.

“I learned that being a leader means treating others fairly and resolving problems with patience,” she said. “The training gave me the courage to stand up for myself. Now I know I can lead.”

Back in her community, she put her newfound confidence into practice. Her local women’s group had nearly collapsed, but she put it back together. Now, they meet regularly to support each other and share their challenges.

Even though they lack funding for income-generating activities like sewing or catering, the group offers something just as powerful: solidarity.

Women run the household

In many areas of South Sudan affected by displacement, women head up to 80 percent of households.

In Wau, Bentiu, Malakal and other areas where IOM runs the program, more women are mobilizing. Those who once remained silent now speak up at meetings, support survivors of violence, and build networks to share experiences and grow together.

Awrelia has noticed a change in the way she is perceived. “People recognize me now,” she says. “In a meeting with chefs and women leaders, they mentioned my name and honored me in front of everyone. It made me proud. The women I lead respect me and I respect them.”

From homes to community halls, women like Awrelia are finding their voices and reshaping what the future can look like – for their daughters, their families and their country.