Imagine a world where your voice doesn’t matter, where silence is the norm, and your dreams are stifled before they even begin. This is the reality for many women in South Sudan, but their stories are now being rewritten, from silence to strength.
Awrelia’s story is a powerful testament to this transformation. Born into a family that didn’t value girls’ education, she was kept home while her brothers went to school. She only got a chance to study when she moved, but even then, her education was cut short when she was forced into marriage at just 14 years old. “I fought to finish primary school, but I couldn’t go any further,” she recalls. Yet, her belief in the importance of education never wavered, especially for her daughters. “I hope they grow up to be responsible and successful women leaders. Something has to change for girls.”
But here’s where it gets controversial… In South Sudan, where conflict and ingrained gender roles have shaped life for generations, change is slow. Awrelia, a widowed mother of eight, has spent years raising her children alone under challenging conditions. “Their father died when they were very young. My eldest was still in primary school,” she recounts. “I’ve been raising them alone ever since.” She constantly navigates complex family dynamics, scarcity, and social stigma. “People expect us to endure silently. Even when women try to seek help, no one responds.”
In public spaces, the challenges are even greater. Speaking ahead of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, Awrelia shared how women are often dismissed. “They say we’re just women, as if our voices don’t matter,” she said. “I kept quiet for years because I was afraid to speak up.”
And this is the part most people miss… Even before finding her voice, Awrelia was already leading. She fought for her children’s education and held her family together. This strength was further developed when she joined a women’s leadership training organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Wau. This training is part of IOM’s gender-transformative recovery program, which aims to strengthen women’s leadership and ensure their participation in community decisions. The five-day course provides a safe space for women to reflect, learn, and grow.
“I learned that being a leader means treating others fairly and solving problems with patience,” Awrelia explains. “The training gave me courage to stand up for myself. Now I know I can lead.” Back in her community, she revitalized her local women’s group. They now meet regularly to support each other and share their challenges, offering solidarity.
Did you know? In many displacement-affected areas of South Sudan, women head up to 80% of households. In Wau, Bentiu, Malakal, and other areas where the IOM program operates, more women are speaking up, supporting survivors of violence, and building networks. Awrelia has noticed a change in how she is perceived. “People recognize me now,” she said. “During a meeting with chiefs and women leaders, they mentioned my name and honored me in front of everyone. It made me feel proud. The women I lead respect me, and I respect them.”
From homes to community halls, women like Awrelia are reshaping the future for their daughters, families, and their country. What do you think about the challenges these women face? Do you believe that leadership training programs are effective in empowering women? Share your thoughts in the comments below!