| dc.description.abstract | Existing evidence shows that women’s representation in governance and politics in South Sudan
remains limited despite constitutional and international commitments. Nevertheless, little
empirical research has examined how Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs) contribute to
women’s participation at the local level, particularly in Yambio, Western Equatoria State. This
study, therefore, examined the contribution of NGOs in promoting women’s participation in
Yambio, guided by feminist theory and social dominance theory, which together explain how
structural inequalities and cultural hierarchies restrict women’s access to political spaces. Using
a case study design and a mixed-methods approach, the research collected and analysed data
from 174 women in governance and political roles through surveys, interviews, and focus group
discussions. The findings reveal that gender equality programs, such as promoting quotas and
replacement mechanisms for women candidates, are central among NGO contributions. Key
impediments to women’s participation include a lack of formal education, limited political
information, and male-dominated party structures that devalue women’s voices. Making laws
that support work–family balance, prohibiting workplace discrimination, and eliminating
Violence against women emerged as the most viable strategies to address these barriers. The
study concludes that NGOs contribute significantly to advancing women’s political participation.
though limitations remain in funding and institutional advocacy. It recommends strengthening
grassroots advocacy, enhancing women’s civic and political training, and promoting gender
responsive policies at institutional levels to ensure sustained progress | en_US |
