Ambassador Cecilia A.M. Adeng, South Sudan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, addresses a UN Security Council meeting in New York. (Photo courtesy of the United Nations)

South Sudan says it has strengthened national mechanisms to advance the empowerment of women and girls, as global leaders meet at the 70th Session of the Commission on the Status of Women in New York.

The country’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Cecilia Adut Manyok, says empowering women is key to achieving sustainable peace, inclusive development, and social progress.

Despite years of conflict, displacement, and climate related challenges, South Sudanese women continue to play a vital role in supporting families, building community resilience, and contributing to peacebuilding efforts.

She said the government remains committed to ensuring at least 35 percent representation of women in public institutions, while prioritizing girls’ education as a pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty.

“For South Sudan, we recognize that the advancement of women and girls is fundamental to achieving sustainable peace, inclusive development, and social progress… women remain at the forefront of supporting families, strengthening communities, and contributing to peacebuilding efforts across the country, including maintaining a minimum of 35% representation in public institutions,” she said, speaking on SSBC on Thursday.

Authorities say measures are underway to boost girls’ enrolment, retention, and completion of schooling, alongside efforts to enhance women’s economic participation through skills development and entrepreneurship.

However, officials acknowledge that significant challenges remain, calling for sustained national efforts and stronger partnerships to achieve gender equality.