Abstract:
The study analyses the exclusion of women in mediation leadership in the South Sudan mediation
process. Apart from the technicalities and minutiae affecting women's inclusion in mediation
leadership in the South Sudan mediation process, the study will analyse the existing government
measures on women, peace, and security to assess if these policies are implemented and whether they
contribute to an inclusive mediation process leading to sustainable peace in South Sudan. The study
uses a gender mainstreaming approach and gender perspective to understand the historical exclusion
of women in mediation leadership in the South Sudan mediation process.
The conflict that lasted for several decades between North and South Sudan led to many mediation
efforts by regional actors and international actors without meaningful inclusion of women in formal
mediation leadership. The conflict-affected women disproportionately but when decisions were made,
women were excluded from the mainstream leadership of peace processes, mediation, and peace
negotiations. The effects of decades of conflicts with Sudan and the conflict that erupted post-South
Sudan independence in 2011 led to further marginalization and exclusion of women in formal
mediation leadership.
Although women have been active agents for peace and reconciliation at the grassroots and track
three mediation processes, they remain excluded from formal track one mediation where decisions
about peace and reconciliation are made. Using a qualitative approach, the study gained insight into
the exclusion of women in mediation leadership in South Sudan mediation process, and how this
impacts women's rights in South Sudan.
