Navigating the Political Sphere: A Survey Analysis of South Sudanese Women's Participation and Perceptions (2021–2026)

This survey research article examines the evolving landscape of political participation and perceptions among South Sudanese women during the critical implementation phase of the Revitalised Peace Agreement (2021–2026). It addresses a significant gap in African gender studies by investigating the lived experiences and self-reported barriers of women navigating a post-conflict political sphere. Employing a sequential mixed-methods design, the study analyses quantitative survey data from 450 women across five states, which is then triangulated with qualitative insights from focus group discussions to capture a nuanced, ground-level perspective. Key findings indicate a persistent disparity between formal representation quotas and substantive participation, with structural impediments—including entrenched socio-cultural norms, resource limitations, and security concerns—remaining prevalent. However, the data also reveal a growing, albeit cautious, sense of political efficacy and a strong desire for increased mentorship and coalition-building among women. The study contends that without targeted, context-specific interventions addressing these barriers, the transformative potential of women's inclusion in South Sudan's peacebuilding and state-building processes will be severely constrained. These findings contribute directly to African feminist scholarship by centring local voices and provide crucial evidence for policymakers and civil society actors aiming to foster more meaningful and sustainable political engagement for women in South Sudan and similar post-conflict settings.