Peace is rapidly turning into a distant memory for many in South Sudan, and women and girls continue to bear the brunt of close to a year of conflict and humanitarian crisis. Women in South Sudan are strong and determined, they are the backbone of the country, yet they continue to be victims of unacceptable suffering and oppression. South Sudanese women offer hope for a better country and we can do more to make a difference to their lives.
To mark this year’s 16 Days of Activism Against Violence, CARE International in South Sudan is asking you to reflect on the statement ‘I am a woman in South Sudan.’
Here is a sample of reflections of men and women in South Sudan on who a South Sudanese woman is.
“You asked me where my husband is. He is in Juba, with another wife. If I depend on my husband, my children will have nothing to eat.” – Nyanweng
“A South Sudanese woman is a strong and tolerant woman who undergoes a lot of suffering from childhood until she becomes a woman and starts taking care of her children. She will always do something even when she struggles to feed and educate her children.” – Aliyah
“A woman in South Sudan undergoes difficult times but she still keeps the hope that one day things will be alright. She is a woman of peace and always wants to see that her family and her country are at peace but her voice is not being heard.” – Nyarone
“Girls of 16 years are married, they are used as a source of wealth. If you are a girl and you want to study, they will not allow you. They will give you to a man who is not your choice and, if you refuse, they will beat you.” – Leyla
“We men are the problem. We behave like politicians afraid to lose our power when we know others can do better.” – Omari
“My grandmother gave birth to my mother from her kitchen. She had just finished preparing the evening meal. She served my grandfather and his friends, walked into the kitchen and delivered my mother. It was her seventh baby, in all, there were ten children.” – Kasim
“I think about struggle, injustice, violence and hunger. I also imagine many children whose lives are dependent on the welfare of their mothers. I then think about how someone who is facing so many obstacles can still be so determined in continuing to enjoy life as it is.” – Madiha
“My life is not the same as my mother’s. She was completely dependent on her husband. With education, I can take decisions and earn some small money.” – Zaiah
Donate now to CARE’s Global Emergency Fund.
*CARE is committed to being a child safe organisation. Names of children have been changed.
