A South Sudanese minister on Tuesday called for at least 10% of the national budget to be allocated to gender programs, saying chronic funding shortfalls are hampering services for women, children and other vulnerable groups.
Speaking to journalists in Juba at the launch of International Women’s Day commemorations, Gender, Child and Social Welfare Minister Nuna Rhoda Rudolf said the appeal reflects commitments made at regional and continental forums and the need to translate policy pledges into action.
“This theme is not merely a slogan; it is a national call to guarantee justice, protect rights and take measurable action,” Rudolf said, referring to this year’s theme, “With Justice, Rights and Action, Women and Girls Thrive and Rise.”
Rudolf said the government is seeking increased financing for women’s economic empowerment, including support for women- and youth-led businesses, improved access to finance and investment in clean energy and digital inclusion.
Officials at the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare said that although budgets are approved by parliament, allocated funds are often not fully disbursed, forcing the ministry to rely heavily on donor support. They said this has limited programs for people with disabilities, street children, widows, older people and other vulnerable groups.
“Our main challenge is funding,” said Jane Kiden, deputy director for women, peace and security at the ministry. “The ministry is underfunded, and most of our activities depend on partners because approved funds are not released.”
Kiden said the funding gap has constrained the ministry’s response to growing concerns over street children and other social protection needs.
Rudolf said the ministry remains committed to improving survivor-centered access to justice for victims of gender-based violence and is pushing for the passage and wider dissemination of relevant laws and policies.
Officials said new programs are planned this year with UN Women, United Nations Population Fund and UNICEF, focusing on street children, out-of-school youth and underage detainees.
International Women’s Day activities are set to begin March 6 at the Nyakuron Cultural Centre in Juba.
South Sudan has been mired in conflict for more than a decade, leaving women and children among the hardest hit by violence, displacement and deprivation.