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Women Leaders Call for Action, Mentorship and Inclusive Leadership
News and Updates
09 July 2026
5 min read
By Woje Communications Team

Women Leaders Call for Action, Mentorship and Inclusive Leadership

Women for Justice and Equality (WOJE), with support from American Women for International Understanding (AWIU), successfully concluded a two-day Women's Leadership and Mentorship Program in Juba, bringing together women leaders, youth representatives, and persons with disabilities to strengthen leadership capacity, foster mentorship, and promote inclusive participation in decision-making across South Sudan.

The interactive program provided participants with practical leadership skills, personal development strategies, and mentorship tools designed to empower women to become effective leaders within their communities, institutions, and professional sectors.

Speaking during the closing ceremony, the Undersecretary at the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Esther Ikere Eluzai challenged participants to put their newly acquired knowledge into practice, emphasizing that leadership is demonstrated through action rather than position.

"Leadership is not a title. Leadership is an action. You can lead even if you don't have a title."

She underscored the importance of mentorship as a catalyst for both personal and professional growth, encouraging participants to remain committed to their leadership journeys.

"Mentorship is a bridge between where you are and where you want to be."

She also encouraged participants to implement the personal action plans they developed during the training by identifying mentors, strengthening leadership competencies, and cultivating positive personal habits.

Representing the South Sudan Women Security Network, Executive Director Hariet Fauzia described the program as transformational, noting that it had reshaped her perspective on leadership, discipline, and personal responsibility.

"What I have gained from here is not only going to stop here. I will practice it."

She further emphasized that the lessons learned would continue to influence her leadership journey.

"I am not the same Harriet I used to be."

Hariet also called for the expansion of mentorship initiatives to reach more women across South Sudan, including those serving within the uniformed and security sectors.

Also sharing her experience, Susan Anthony Michael, Deputy Secretary for Education and Research at the Central Equatoria States Youth Union, said the training had fundamentally changed her outlook on leadership and career development.

"I am a changed person. I am a changed leader."

She committed to advocating for young people to pursue careers and opportunities aligned with their passions while encouraging participants to continue sharing the knowledge and skills gained throughout the program.

Representing persons with disabilities, Catherine Vincencio highlighted the program's contribution to advancing inclusion and empowering women from diverse backgrounds.

"Leadership doesn't mean power. Leadership is empowerment. We have been empowered by this training, and we are going to empower others."

Her remarks reinforced the importance of ensuring that women with disabilities have equal opportunities to lead, participate, and contribute to national development.

The program concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to applying the knowledge and skills acquired, strengthening mentorship networks, supporting one another's leadership journeys, and promoting inclusive leadership across South Sudan.

Through initiatives such as the Women's Leadership and Mentorship Program, Women for Justice and Equality (WOJE) continues to invest in building a new generation of confident, ethical, and inclusive women leaders who will drive positive change within their communities and contribute meaningfully to South Sudan's sustainable development.

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Women Leaders Call for Action, Mentorship and Inclusive Leadership
Women Leaders Call for Action, Mentorship and Inclusive Leadership
Women Leaders Call for Action, Mentorship and Inclusive Leadership