The United Nations Integrated Electoral Assistance Team (IEAT) in South Sudan, in collaboration with the National Elections Commission (NEC), is organizing a three-day BRIDGE modular workshop on Gender Equality and Elections. The workshop will convene key stakeholders who play a critical role in promoting a gender-balanced electoral process, including representatives from the State High Elections Committees, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), the Political Party Council, the Ministry of Gender and the Media.

The Gender Equality and Elections workshop aims to equip participants with a deeper understanding of the structural and systemic approaches to advancing gender equality and the skills to implement practical strategies for inclusive electoral processes. The workshop objectives are to:

1.    Understand Women’s Participation in Politics:

• Explore global targets and benchmarks for women’s political representation.
• Analyze current data and trends on women’s participation in political and electoral processes.
• Review key international frameworks and obligations supporting gender equality in elections, including human rights treaties and global commitments.

2.    Identify Obstacles to Women’s Participation:

• Discuss the major barriers faced by women in electoral processes, including cultural, institutional, and systemic challenges.
• Understand systemic barries and the impact of electoral systems on women’s representation and inclusion.

3.    Promote Gender Equality in Electoral Management Bodies (EMBs):

• Examine strategies for embedding gender equality within EMB structures and practices.

4.    Enhance Gender Equality Throughout the Electoral Cycle:

• Develop action plans to promote gender equality during pre-election, election, and post-election phases.
• Understand the importance and types of gender quotas in addressing disparities.

5.    Design Advocacy Campaigns:

• Understand the principles of effective advocacy and lobbying for gender equality in elections.
• Develop impactful advocacy campaigns to advance gender equality in politics and elections.
• Craft clear, persuasive messages for advocacy initiatives that resonate with diverse audiences.

6.    Address Gender Inequalities Through Strategic Planning:

• Explore how strategic planning can mitigate gender inequalities in electoral processes and foster sustainable change.

This workshop is part of an ongoing series of BRIDGE workshops launched in April 2024, as part of a broader capacity development program. The program aims to:

1. Enhance the NEC’s understanding of electoral principles, practices, and election management across the electoral cycle;
2. Raise awareness among targeted stakeholders on key electoral issues; and
3. Develop a pool of qualified facilitators in South Sudan capable of effectively utilizing the BRIDGE curriculum to deliver workshops on electoral topics, benefiting a wide range of stakeholders.

By focusing on these goals, the workshop seeks to contribute to a more inclusive, equitable, and secure electoral environment in South Sudan.