Overcoming the Lack of Women’s Meaningful Participation in the Formal Mediation Processes of South Sudan
Institutional Affiliation
Nova Southeastern University
Start Date
January 2026
End Date
January 2026
Proposal Type
Presentation
Proposal Format
On-campus
Proposal Description
The increasing recognition of women's roles in peacebuilding processes highlights ongoing gender inequalities, particularly in leadership positions during formal mediation and the negotiation of Peace Agreements. This study specifically investigates the challenges faced by women in South Sudan's peace agreements, which stem from deeply entrenched societal expectations, patriarchal norms, and systemic marginalization. These factors not only render women invisible in public spheres but also hinder their rights to equal participation in peacebuilding initiatives. Additionally, the pervasive issue of women's poverty is exacerbated by limited access to education and economic opportunities, further entrenching their exclusion. Utilizing a combined framework of phenomenological transcendental theory and Johan Galtung's structural and cultural theory, this research explores the subjective experiences of women alongside the structural barriers they confront. The phenomenological approach underscores the importance of qualitative research in elucidating complex social phenomena, providing valuable insights that are crucial for both academic inquiry and effective policymaking within peacebuilding contexts.
Women’s meaningful participation, Inclusive-Mediation, Gender Inequality, Human Security, Women, Peace, Decision-making, Phenomenological Transcendental Theory, Structural and Cultural Barriers, South Sudan
Overcoming the Lack of Women’s Meaningful Participation in the Formal Mediation Processes of South Sudan
The increasing recognition of women's roles in peacebuilding processes highlights ongoing gender inequalities, particularly in leadership positions during formal mediation and the negotiation of Peace Agreements. This study specifically investigates the challenges faced by women in South Sudan's peace agreements, which stem from deeply entrenched societal expectations, patriarchal norms, and systemic marginalization. These factors not only render women invisible in public spheres but also hinder their rights to equal participation in peacebuilding initiatives. Additionally, the pervasive issue of women's poverty is exacerbated by limited access to education and economic opportunities, further entrenching their exclusion. Utilizing a combined framework of phenomenological transcendental theory and Johan Galtung's structural and cultural theory, this research explores the subjective experiences of women alongside the structural barriers they confront. The phenomenological approach underscores the importance of qualitative research in elucidating complex social phenomena, providing valuable insights that are crucial for both academic inquiry and effective policymaking within peacebuilding contexts.
Women’s meaningful participation, Inclusive-Mediation, Gender Inequality, Human Security, Women, Peace, Decision-making, Phenomenological Transcendental Theory, Structural and Cultural Barriers, South Sudan