Safeguarding Women’s Land Rights: The Role Transformational Leadership as a Game Changer: A Case of South Sudan

Abstract

Carrying out the study in Juba, South Sudan, with a specific focus on safeguarding women's land rights and exploring the role of transformational leadership is not only timely but also essential for addressing gender disparities in land ownership and contributing to broader efforts towards gender equality and sustainable development in the region. The incorporation of UNSCR 1325 in South Sudan has significantly altered the narrative surrounding women's roles, shifting them from passive recipients to active participants in peace and security endeavours. This resolution underlines the intrinsic right of women to engage in such processes, influencing the development of crucial policies and Legal Frameworks geared towards gender parity and women's empowerment, exemplified by instruments like the Transitional Constitution and National Action Plan. Moreover, UNSCR 1325 emphasizes the imperative of addressing the specific relief needs of women and girls during and after conflicts, positioning women as indispensable agents in relief and recovery processes. The study conducted in Juba gathered respondents from diverse backgrounds, including members of Community-Based Organizations, Faith Groups, women associations, Civil Society Organizations, village committees, community leaders, policymakers, subject matter experts, and political parties. Employing a qualitative research approach, the study utilized Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews to collect data and insights. Thirty research participants partook in three separate FGDs, each comprising ten members, while twenty-three Key Informant interviews were conducted with stakeholders. The qualitative data underwent meticulous thematic analysis, revealing the significant challenges faced by women in South Sudan when asserting their land rights, exacerbated by conflicting statutory and customary laws. The transformative impact of UNSCR 1325 was a central revelation from the study, reshaping women's roles in peace and security efforts and emphasizing their active participation. This paradigm shift has been instrumental in shaping policies and legal frameworks in South Sudan, such as the Transitional Constitution and National Action Plan, which prioritize gender equality and women's empowerment. Conducting further studies focusing on women's land rights and transformational leadership in South Sudan is crucial for advancing gender equality and sustainable development, with recommendations including aligning laws, providing training, engaging champions, establishing information-sharing platforms, and developing comprehensive training programs tailored to promoting women's rights in land ownership. These recommendations aim to guide future interventions in fortifying women's land rights, fostering gender equality, and empowering women as pivotal actors in sustainable development efforts in South Sudan