Feminism /ˈfɛmɪnɪz(ə)m/noun – the advocacy of women’s rights based on the equality of the sexes.
Feminist /ˈfɛmɪnɪst/noun – an advocate of women’s rights based on the equality of the sexes; a person who supports feminism.
As a young girl, I experienced being told that I couldn’t play football with the boys because it was a “manly” sport. I was also told that certain clothes were too “revealing” for a girl. These experiences reinforced the reality that girls are often limited in what they can do and wear, which is further perpetuated by gender expectations and norms.
In her book We Should All Be Feminists, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes, “We teach girls to shrink themselves, to make themselves smaller. We say to girls, ‘You can have ambition, but not too much. You should aim to be successful, but not too successful, otherwise you will threaten the man.'” This quote resonates with me as a South Sudanese woman because women here are often denied opportunities and a voice. They’re told not to be too ambitious, focus on their families, and not speak out against injustice.
Feminism is comparable to the baobab tree in South Sudan. It symbolizes resilience, strength, deep rootedness in the earth, and it provides shade and shelter regardless of one’s gender. It’s crucial to the well-being of South Sudan’s people because it works towards a more just and fair society for all, including women.
Although the country is moving towards gender equality with women making significant gains in education, employment, and political participation, traditional gender roles and stereotypes remain deeply ingrained in society. Women continue to face discrimination and violence. They are often expected to be primary caregivers, modest, and to obey their husbands and fathers. These societal norms and expectations can limit women’s opportunities and choices. Women who don’t conform to traditional gender roles may face discrimination or violence.
Despite the ongoing challenges, there’s a growing women’s rights movement in South Sudan, with women demanding equal rights and opportunities. They are challenging gender roles and stereotypes, and this movement is being led by various women’s organizations and individual women.
I know a woman named Mary* who lives in Juba. She is a single mother of two young children. Her husband left her when she was pregnant with their second child. Mary must work very hard to support her family. She works as a laborer, carrying heavy loads of bricks and other materials. She is often paid less than men for doing the same work. Mary also faces discrimination because she is a single mother. She is often judged by other members of her community. She has difficulty finding housing because landlords are reluctant to rent to single women. One day, Mary was walking home from work when she was attacked by a group of men. They beat her and stole her money. Mary was traumatized by the attack. She was afraid to go out in public for weeks.
Despite the challenges she faces, Mary is a strong and resilient woman. She is determined to provide a good life for her children. She is also an advocate for women’s rights. She speaks out against discrimination and violence against women.
I know a woman named Amina* who lives in a rural village in South Sudan. She is married with three children. Amina never went to school because her parents believed that it was not important for girls to be educated. Amina’s husband is often abusive. He beats her and controls her finances. Amina does not have any family or friends who she can turn to for help. She is afraid to leave her husband because she knows that she will not be able to support herself and her children on her own. Amina’s story is a sad one, but it is not uncommon in South Sudan. Many women face violence and abuse from their husbands. They also face discrimination and lack of access to education and employment opportunities.
These are just two examples of the challenges that women face in South Sudan. It is important to raise awareness of these issues and to work towards a more just and equitable society for all.
Patriarchy affects me and other women in my community in many ways. It limits our opportunities, choices, and freedom. It also makes us more vulnerable to violence and abuse. Girls are less likely to attend school, and even if they do, they’re often steered towards female-dominated courses that limit their development. Women have limited career and employment opportunities, are underrepresented in leadership positions, often leaving them unable to contribute fully to their communities’ development. Single or divorced women face discrimination and stigma, whereas married women are expected to stay home and care for their spouses and children, even if they’re educated.
Challenging patriarchal norms is vital in creating a more just and equitable society for women and girls in South Sudan. Feminism has a crucial role in achieving gender equality by promoting and creating awareness about gender equality and empowering women to reach their full potential.
Educating ourselves and others about feminism, challenging gender roles and stereotypes, supporting women’s rights organizations, and advocating for policy changes that protect women’s rights and promote gender equality are some ways to make a positive difference.
We all play a role in creating a better future for women and girls in South Sudan. Starting conversations about feminism, supporting women’s organizations, advocating for policy changes, and challenging gender roles and stereotypes are all essential in creating a more just and equitable society.