First SPLM National Women’s League Constitutional Conference

The Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) has officially announced the convening of the historic SPLM Women League 1st National Constitutional Conference 2026 under the theme: "Empowered Women, Empowered Nation." Running from 11th–13th August 2026 at the Bank of South Sudan (Boss) Conference Hall in Juba, bringing together women leaders, delegates, and stakeholders from across the country to deliberate on the constitutional framework and strengthen the role of women in democratic governance.

The landmark event features prominent addresses from SPLM Chairman and President of the Republic, H.E. Cde. Salva Kiir Mayardit, SPLM Secretary General Cde. Dr. Akol Paul Kordit, SPLM Deputy Secretary General Cde. Baba Medan Konyi, SPLM Secretary for Popular and Syndicated Organizations Cde. Mary Paul Ngondeng, and SPLM National Women's League Chairlady Cde. Adak Costa. The gathering celebrates a historic milestone, the finalization and validation of a contemporary, unifying constitution.

Opening the conference, SPLM Chairman H.E. Comrade Salva Kiir Mayardit highlighted the long-standing commitment of the SPLM to women’s participation and empowerment, noting with conviction that "gender equality has always been a cornerstone of the SPLM party." The Chairman further directed the Secretary General to organise the party and prepare for the Congresses and SPLM third convention ahead of the December General Elections.

SPLM Secretary General Cde. Dr. Akol Paul Kordit emphasized the foundational strength and vital political role of women within the party. Dr. Kordit stressed critical priorities for the movement, issuing a call for SPLM members to uphold the historical values that delivered the Republic and remain uncompromising in their dedication, calling upon all comrades to rally behind the chairman, the founder of the Republic Comrade Salva Kiir Mayardit and stand by him come rain or shine, declaring his utmost loyalty to the values and principles of the movement under the able leadership of comrade Chairman Kiir Mayardit. 

Dr. Kordit further recognised the pivotal, strategic roles played by women and youth within the political structure, noting that their active participation is essential for driving future action as we head towards elections.

Furthermore SPLM Secretary for Popular and Syndicated Organisations Cde. Mary Paul Ngondeng commended party leadership for creating an enabling environment for women and emphasized their electoral readiness, stating, "we are 100% for the elections and behind our chairman".

 In her remarks SPLM Women's League Chairlady Cde. Adak Costa praised the party's leadership for appointing capable women to key positions, famously declaring that "when you empower women, you empower the nation."

This conference demonstrates the nationwide representation of the party bringing together delegates from all across the country, encompassing all the ten states and three administrative areas. This extensive representation directly matches the SPLM policy of inclusion and gender equality, serving to properly acknowledge the indispensable role of women throughout our history and liberation struggle.

The delegates were warmly welcomed by the head of the organizing committee, Cde. Baba Medan Konyi, SPLM Deputy Secretary General for Administration and Finance, who applauded the Chairman's guidance and the tireless work by the Secretary General to execute the directives of the Chairman to make this day possible.

The conference is to deliberate and validate a new contemporary constitution, establishing a guiding living document for all women within the SPLM. Delegates representing diverse states, communities, and backgrounds were called to move past division, fragmentation, and small groupings, uniting instead under the single umbrella of the SPLM with one purpose, one vision, and one movement. The League emphasized the absolute necessity of building a robust organization that reaches every woman from the grassroots to the national level—listening to, organizing, mobilizing, and positioning women to take their rightful place in leadership and national development.  

The League committed to move decisively from words to action. Rallying strong support for the upcoming national elections, underscoring the readiness of SPLM women to secure decisive victories at the polls, backed by party leadership's unwavering support for gender inclusivity and women's empowerment across South Sudan.

As proceedings continue over the next two days, the conference highlights a unified show of solidarity, with delegates welcoming this historic moment of debate, mutual respect, and strategic planning for the future of the movement