South Sudan is one of the youngest countries in the world, and its women were at the heart of the liberation struggle. The SPLM has written binding quotas for women and youth into its policy, and its Women League and Youth League give both a real seat at the table, in every state and county.
The SPLM Manifesto notes that around seventy-two percent of our population is under 35. That young generation is the engine of a prosperous nation, and the Party's youth and women's policies are designed to put its energy to work.
Women: from the front lines to leadership
South Sudanese women have been a strong pillar of the revolutionary struggle since its inception: as combatants, nurses, organisers, providers and peacemakers. The SPLM has made their equal participation in political and economic life a binding commitment: women serve as ministers, legislators and Party leaders, and the SPLM states plainly that South Sudan cannot achieve its development goals without the full participation of women.
Our priorities
- At least 35% for womenFull adherence to the SPLM policy of at least thirty-five percent affirmative action for women in party organs and in government.
- At least 20% for youthAt least twenty percent affirmative action for young people, preparing them to lead in nation-building, social development and economic transformation.
- Skills, credit and enterpriseTechnical and vocational training, small business credit, mentoring, internships and apprenticeships so young people and women can build livelihoods rather than wait for one.
- National service with a futureSupport for youth who enlist in national service, with eligibility for scholarships, loans, grants and job training on successful completion.
- Protecting girlsLegislation and enforcement against forced and early marriage and other harmful practices, and girls' boarding schools in every state.
- Culture, arts and sportEncouraging young people's participation in culture, the arts and sports, which build confidence, talent and bonds across communities.
Youth: participants in nation-building, not spectators
The Manifesto commits the SPLM to mobilise and prepare our youth to participate effectively in the social, economic and democratic processes that will transform our society. That means representation in party structures at every level, from payam committees up to the National Liberation Council, and practical pathways to work through vocational centres, digital learning such as the SPLM Online School, and access to finance for young entrepreneurs.
Families, children and social protection
The SPLM considers the family the basic unit of the nation and commits to family and child-centred policies: day care centres and kindergartens to support working mothers, better pre-natal and post-natal care, and support for the elderly, people with special needs, orphans, and war widows and widowers. A society that protects its most vulnerable members is one in which women and young people are free to learn, work and lead.
In the SPLM Manifesto
“The SPLM shall fully adhere to and implement its policy of at least thirty-five percent (35%) affirmative action to empower women… South Sudan cannot achieve its developmental goals without the full participation of women.”
“The SPLM shall ensure that at least twenty (20%) affirmative action to empower the youth and to prepare them to lead the country in nation-building, social development and economic transformation.”
A movement led only by yesterday's leaders cannot carry tomorrow's country. The SPLM is building for both.