An analysis of the exclusion of women from mediation leadership in the mediation process in South Sudan

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.