Women Rising to Leadership: The First Female Head Chief of Hai-Kuzee

All over South Sudan, traditional gender roles have kept women from pursuing leadership positions. Members of the women’s protection team (WPT) in Yambio explained that women are still considered to be of lesser value than men, especially when it comes to decision-making. The WPT further emphasized that the representation of women in positions of influence at both the national and local level remains low. Women who do take on leadership roles often face negative social attitudes, relegating women as only suitable for housework and questioning the capacity of women to intervene in protection issues. 

Despite these challenges, a growing number of strong women are breaking through these barriers and rising to positions of power within their communities. Victoria Luka, one of Yambio WPT’s active members, was elected as the first female Head Chief of Hai-Kuzee in Yambio in August 2020.

“In my community, if you make the right decisions and lead well, you hear people saying: ‘She is leading like a man,’ I want people to know that women are good decision makers and leaders too” - Head Chief Victoria Luka 

NP first established and supported a Women’s Protection Team in Yambio in 2019. Since then, NP has supported the WPTs strengthen their knowledge on general protection, gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response, civilian ceasefire monitoring, nonviolent communication, leadership skills, and conflict mediation. For Victoria, NP’s support was most valuable in facilitating nonviolent problem-solving, forming relations with other NGOs and local government, and building her confidence as a powerful woman with a voice that deserves to be heard. 

“I feel courageous compared to the past where I could not speak in public or address issues but being one of the WPT has led to my success as head woman.” 

Since becoming a member of the WPT, Victoria has become an active voice for peace within her community. In June 2020, for example, she acted as a family mediator between men, women, and youth when they engaged in conflict. After multiple sessions with NP on GBV prevention and response, Victoria also started offering civilian protection to women who endured physical assaults, accompanying women to the police station or hospital for assistance, and providing a place to stay overnight in her own home. 

“I am filled with joy as I am expressing to NP how I have been nominated and elected as Head Chief because of the several trainings given by NP that have empowered and given me the courage to be an active volunteer in the community,” said Victoria. 

Victoria became known in her community as a person who stood up for the protection of civilians, especially women and youth, and someone who was able to effectively mediate conflicts. It was on this basis that the community asked her to run for Head Chief, seeing her as a better fit than the other male candidates. 

Reflecting on her first months as Head Chief, Victoria notes that rising to a leadership position is hard for women, but holding on to this position and her influence may even be harder. As a female Head Chief, Victoria still faces challenges in being recognized as a leader. However, with the leadership skills she developed in collaboration with NP and her continued involvement with the WPT, Victoria explains that she feels supported and has a platform to work towards the harmony she wants to push for in her community. 

“I attribute my good start in serving the community to the support by my colleagues in the women’s protection team and the trainings given to the group by NP. It is empowering me to take up my role with few challenges.” 

When NP and Victoria discussed what she would like to focus on in her position as Head Chief, Victoria noted that she will pay attention to community issues, including general protection. She further aims to address the concerns of women and girls specifically and is determined to find ways for young men and women to find psychological support to manage inter-generational trauma. Victoria also hopes to change her community’s perception of female leaders, a perception that may already be changing evidenced by her election as Head Chief.

NP will continue to support the WPTs in Yambio to strengthen the capacity of women, their knowledge of ceasefire monitoring, and their participation in peacebuilding and decision-making within their communities.