Hundreds of women serving in South Sudan’s security forces gathered in the town of Aweil on Wednesday to mark Women in Uniform Day, highlighting efforts to increase women’s leadership and participation in the country’s security sector.
The annual event brought together members of the South Sudan Security Sector Women’s Network (SSSWN), government officials, state authorities, civil society groups, United Nations agencies, development partners and community representatives under the theme, “Women in Uniform Day: Building a Network, Advancing Peace in South Sudan.”
The commemoration also marked the fourth anniversary of the South Sudan Security Sector Women’s Network, established in 2022 to strengthen women’s leadership, mentorship and professional development across the country’s organised forces. Organisers said the event reaffirmed support for gender-responsive security sector reform and greater representation of women in decision-making roles.
The gathering comes as South Sudan implements security sector reforms and its National Action Plan on Gender and Security Sector Reform (2023–2027), aimed at improving women’s recruitment, retention, career progression and leadership within the security services.
About 400 participants attended the event, including women in uniform, senior security officials, government representatives, civil society organisations, youth groups, development partners and journalists. Activities included a commemorative march, keynote speeches, experience-sharing sessions, recognition of outstanding women leaders and male allies, and networking events.
“We need the promotion of women in uniform across the security sector,” said Josephine Akon, chairperson of the South Sudan Security Sector Women’s Network. She also encouraged women serving in the organised forces to continue their education to qualify for leadership positions and contribute more effectively to peace and security.
Bol Dui Gok of the National Ministry of Peacebuilding said women’s participation in leadership and peace processes was essential to building a peaceful and inclusive South Sudan.
Northern Bahr el Ghazal State Minister of Housing, Land and Public Utilities Dominic Kang Deng said women should play a greater role in decision-making, describing them as key contributors to peace and social cohesion.
The event was supported by the U.N. Peacebuilding Fund through a project implemented by UN Women, UNDP and UNESCO in partnership with national institutions and civil society organisations. The initiative seeks to strengthen women’s leadership, promote institutional reforms and expand women’s meaningful participation across South Sudan’s security institutions.
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