Shaping Justice: Mary’s Work in Tonj’s Customary Court
Women in the community of Tonj have long understood both the importance of and the challenges of traditional communal practices. These practices can include Child Early and Forced Marriage, as well as head marking ceremonies for boys coming of age. The women recognize the risks associated with early marriage and gender-based violence (GBV) but also see themselves as key actors in protection and peacebuilding. Responding to growing concerns, community members and local authorities expressed a desire to create a local protection group to address these issues while respecting cultural values.
In support of these efforts, NP helped form a Women's Protection Team (WPT), bringing together 30 influential women in the area. Through training in Unarmed Civilian Protection (UCP), these women gained the skills to promote peace, prevent GBV, and navigate community conflicts. Among them was Mary, whose leadership would soon prove transformative. Not only did the WPT and Mary make peaceful changes in their community, they also made structural changes that ensure the inclusion of women, a key component of lasting peace.
Leading Change in the Community
Mary and her fellow WPT members quickly put their training into action, addressing cases of GBV, interclan disputes, and other protection concerns. They worked with the local Administrator to mediate tensions between the two clans.
Recognizing Mary's leadership, the WPT appointed her Chairlady, further fueling her commitment to change. As Chairlady, she and her team regularly go door-to-door, resolving domestic violence cases and raising awareness about GBV and child abuse. Mary also led community dialogues on utilizing local structures for peaceful conflict resolution. Reflecting on the impact, a WPT member noted, "When the community is empowered with knowledge, it can stand on its own feet to resolve issues peacefully. Though change takes time, we believe this women's group will bring peace to our community."
Mary’s leadership did not go unnoticed. When Tonj sought to appoint its first female representative to the local customary court, community members overwhelmingly supported her nomination. The court, responsible for handling local disputes, recognized her influence and commitment to peacebuilding. A community member recalled,
"When a fight broke out in the Parieng cattle camp over an impregnated girl, Mary and the WPT intervened. Despite the tension, they persisted in urging the youth to stop beating each other and seek a peaceful resolution. The youth were surprised how women could be involved in conflict management and peacebuilding, and they stopped fighting. Lives were saved because of Mary and the women’s role in conflict management.”
Breaking Barriers in Leadership
Mary joined the local court, where she worked alongside her colleagues to resolve cases of adultery, domestic violence, and cattle theft. She also ensured that cases of impregnated girls did not escalate into revenge killings. Her impact was particularly evident in eight murder cases where she persuaded grieving families to abandon retaliation and accept legal resolutions instead.
NP remains committed to advancing women's participation in peacebuilding and protection by engaging community leaders and local authorities as allies in the struggle for gender equality. Mary’s journey—from WPT member to customary court representative—demonstrates a shifting perception of women’s leadership and sets a precedent for other young women to step into decision-making roles in their communities. To sustain this progress, NP will continue empowering women and women-led structures, ensuring their vital role in conflict resolution and community protection endures.