A delegation of sixteen women from South Sudan recently embarked on a learning mission to Liberia, joining forces with local women from diverse backgrounds  to equip them with the necessary tools to compete alongside their male counterparts and collaborate in policymaking. 

From March 25th to 29th, 2024, representatives from various sectors in South Sudan, including the Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA), Political Parties Council, Judicial Reform Committee, National Transformational Leadership Institute/Academia, the National Press Club, and Civil Society Organizations, such as the South Sudan Women Coalition, Women Bloc, and Centre for Inclusive Governance, Peace, and Justice, participated in the enlightening experience in Liberia. Organized by the UN Women Country Offices in South Sudan and Liberia, with funding from the Government of Norway, the mission focused on exchanging knowledge with Liberian counterparts on transitional reform, election processes, and strengthening women’s political participation through the use of Temporary Special Measures to achieve gender equality.

During their stay, the delegation engaged with various Liberian entities, including the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, the National Elections Commission, the Ministry of Justice, the United Nations Country Team (UNCT), the Women Legislative Caucus, the ECOWAS Commission to Liberia, Liberia Elections Observation Network (LEON), and civil society organizations advocating for inclusive political participation. They also interacted with women’s organizations, the Women NGO’s Secretariat of Liberia, and the Liberian Women Mass Action for Peace. Through the exchange of experiences, the delegates confirmed  acquiring knowledge and skills crucial for civic awareness and engagement before, during, and after elections, the prevention of Violence Against Women, the roles of electoral management bodies, and the support necessary from various stakeholders and donors.

Furthermore, they learned about innovative approaches used by women and youth organizations to overcome structural barriers to women’s participation in public life and the tactics employed by civil society in advocating for gender-sensitive policies and women’s inclusion in decision-making positions.

However, the delegation recognized the pervasive challenge of violence against women, including physical, sexual, verbal, and cyber harassment during the electoral process, stressing the need for concerted efforts by communities, governments, and partners to create a conducive environment for women’s participation as voters and candidates.

Expressing gratitude to the Government of Liberia, the UN family, and all stakeholders for the invaluable learning opportunity, the delegation affirmed their commitment to utilizing the insights gained to address pertinent issues towards achieving lasting peace and democracy. Dr. Angelina Bazugba, the head of the delegation, highlighted the strength drawn from Liberian hospitality and solidarity, ensuring their return home with renewed minds and ideas to enhance preparations for their up coming elections, aiming for a healed Africa in their lifetime.

Experiences

Reflecting on their experiences, the team praised Liberia’s 2023 electoral activities as exemplary democratic practices, commended politicians for adhering to the Farmington River Declaration, and applauded civil society’s commitment to democracy. They pledged to emulate these practices in their country. Dr. Angelina Bazugba emphasized the lesson learned from Liberian women, who have unequivocally declared “enough is enough,” opting for the ballot over the bullet, and the collaboration of  security actors  in building the desired future for Liberia.

Challenges

Identifying a significant challenge, the delegation observed that Liberia’s policies for women’s political participation require enhancement, particularly in securing funding for women in electoral processes. They noted grassroots women’s groups’ ongoing pursuit of justice for past grievances, including Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and cyber harassment. 

The delegation’s visit not only fostered knowledge exchange but also highlighted areas for improvement and collaboration to advance gender equality and democracy in both South Sudan and Liberia.