Under the theme, “towards enhancing capacities of young women for effective leadership” a total of 30 women leaders were trained by NTLI with support from UN Women and the Norwegian Embassy. The 10 days training was held at Regency Hotel from 25th January to 4th February 2023.
Different methodologies were employed to enhance the learner’s understanding of the sessions such as mini lectures, interactive discussions, group discussions, audio-visual materials, experience sharing, case studies and role plays. The topics covered included transformational leadership, envisioning a culture of peace, updates on the permanent constitution making bill, advocacy and lobbying, understanding power, GBV response and prevention and local and international etiquette and policy frameworks on women, peace & security among others.
The young women leaders called for continuous mentorship and coaching in order to engage in the issues affecting their communities. They were pleased with the facilitation and identified mentors among the facilitators.
The participants recommended the use of male engagement as a strategy to achieve gender equality through engaging men in the community such as chiefs, team leaders, business people, ministers and church leaders in gender mainstreaming programmes.
Whilst discussing about the permanent constitutional making process, the young women called upon the meaningful representation of the youth as they are usually underrepresented. By the end of the training, participants agreed to rally behind the Youth Working Group on Constitutional Making Process.
The participants appreciated the unique training because it broadened their understanding of Transformational leadership and how to respond and prevent Gender Based Violence (GBV) in their communities. They also formed a network i.e a Whatsapp group to share information on scholarships and job opportunities among other things.
Participants recommended that a youth conference is organized to unite youth from all across South Sudan to discuss how they can effectively engage and contribute to nation building.