Daughters of the Struggle, a Nationwide Call to Unity and Empowerment

Saturday, May 9, 2026 - The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) National Women’s League has officially announced nationwide mobilisation efforts ahead of the 16 May anniversary, marking the historic founding of the movement. The leadership has designated this occasion as a period for the women of South Sudan to reaffirm their central role as the backbone of the party and key guardians of national stability.

Cde. Ayen Johnson Malual, the wife of a martyr, reflected on the historical struggle for gender inclusion within the movement, noting that high-level discussions regarding the position of women date back to 1999. She emphasised that the current presence of women in senior government roles reflects the fulfilment of a vision established by the movement’s founding leadership. Malual called for a unified visual demonstration of loyalty, urging all women to wear red fabric during the commemorations to symbolise their shared passion, commitment, and unity.

Sultan Eduard Okado, representing community leadership within the party, echoed the call for national stability and unwavering support for the Government. He reminded the public that the independence and freedom enjoyed today are the direct result of the immense sacrifices made by the SPLM and its martyrs. His address focused on the need for community support for the peace process, which he described as essential to rebuilding lives and securing the nation’s sovereignty.

Cde. Dudu Sebit, the Secretary General of the SPLM National Women’s League, highlighted the party’s consistent record of providing women with a seat at the table of national governance. She urged women across the country to organise from the grassroots to the national level to ensure their voices remain central to political discourse. Sebit specifically noted that the leadership’s commitment to the 35 percent affirmative action policy represents a vital opportunity for capable women to occupy positions that safeguard peace and uphold the original vision of the struggle.

Cde. Adak Costa Mapuor, the Chairlady of the SPLM National Women’s League, concluded the official directives by describing the 16 May anniversary as the birth of South Sudanese identity and the foundation of freedom. She issued a direct call to chairladies at the state, county, and boma levels to begin immediate mobilisation for parades and cultural displays. Cde. Adak emphasised that unity within the league is essential to maintaining the strength of the SPLM and ensuring that women remain a driving force in advancing a peaceful and prosperous future for the nation.