IGAD Strengthens State-Level Partnerships to Advance Women’s Economic Resilience and Sustainable Peace in South Sudan
July 28–29, 2026 (Torit, South Sudan): IGAD, through its Land Governance Unit in collaboration with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, convened the Inter-Ministerial Engagement and Consultations with Local and National Stakeholders under the Building Women’s Economic Resilience for Sustainable Peace Project (BWERSP) in Torit, Eastern Equatoria State, reinforcing a shared commitment to advancing women’s economic empowerment, inclusive land governance, and sustainable peace in South Sudan.
The two-day engagement brought together representatives from national and state government institutions, civil society organizations, women-led groups, traditional leaders, and community representatives to strengthen collaboration and lay the foundation for coordinated project implementation.
Officially opening the consultations, Hon. Margret Idwa Okuye, Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare of Eastern Equatoria State, underscored the importance of inclusive partnerships in advancing women’s rights and development, stating:
“When women have equal opportunities to access land, participate in decision-making, and contribute to economic development, families become stronger, communities become more resilient, and peace becomes more sustainable. This partnership is an important step toward achieving that vision for Eastern Equatoria State.”
The consultations provided a platform for participants to identify practical actions that respond to the needs of women and communities. Discussions focused on strengthening women’s leadership in land rights and peacebuilding, improving access to land and economic opportunities for vulnerable women, promoting positive social norms, engaging traditional leaders, and enhancing the capacity of state and county institutions to support inclusive development.
The engagement also emphasized the importance of coordinated implementation through clear institutional roles, stronger partnerships, and a shared roadmap to guide delivery of the BWERSP Project across Eastern Equatoria State.
Speaking on behalf of the IGAD Executive Secretary, Dr. Victoria Anib, IGAD Head of Mission to South Sudan, said:
“Women’s economic empowerment is fundamental to building resilient communities and sustainable peace. Through stronger partnerships and coordinated action, we can create lasting opportunities for women across South Sudan.”
As part of the engagement, the IGAD delegation held courtesy visits with H.E. Louis Lobong Lojore, Governor of Eastern Equatoria State, and the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) to brief state leadership on the objectives of the BWERSP Project and strengthen collaboration for its implementation.
Ms. Joselyn Bigirwa, IGAD Gender and Land Expert and Coordinator of the BWERSP Project, emphasized the importance of translating dialogue into action, noting:
“The success of this project will be measured by the impact it creates in the lives of women and communities. By strengthening coordination, building local capacity, and working closely with national and state institutions, we are laying the foundation for women to access opportunities, participate in decision-making, and contribute meaningfully to sustainable peace.”
The consultations concluded with a state-level implementation roadmap, agreed coordination mechanisms, identified capacity-building priorities, and strengthened partnerships among national and state institutions, civil society, traditional leaders, and communities. These outcomes provide a clear framework for implementing the BWERSP Project and advancing women’s economic resilience, inclusive land governance, and sustainable peace across Eastern Equatoria State.
