Navigating the Political Landscape: A Survey of Women's Political Participation and Representation in South Sudan, 2021–2026

This survey research investigates the evolving landscape of women's political participation and representation in South Sudan between 2021 and 2026. It addresses a critical gap in contemporary African political studies by examining the persistent barriers and emerging opportunities for women in the nation's formal political sphere during a period of tentative peace and constitutional transition. Employing a sequential mixed-methods approach, the study first collected quantitative data through a structured questionnaire administered to 450 women across six states. This was followed by qualitative focus group discussions with female political aspirants and civil society leaders to contextualise the statistical trends. The findings reveal a significant paradox: while the 35% affirmative action quota has increased numerical representation in legislative bodies, substantive participation remains severely constrained. Key impediments identified include entrenched patriarchal norms, a pervasive lack of financial resources for campaigns, and targeted political violence. The analysis demonstrates that without addressing these interconnected systemic and socio-cultural barriers, nominal representation fails to translate into meaningful influence over policy and governance. The research concludes by underscoring the urgent need for holistic, context-specific strategies that move beyond quota systems to foster genuine political empowerment. Its implications are vital for policymakers, women's advocacy groups, and scholars committed to advancing gender-inclusive democratic processes in post-conflict African states.