Minister Atong Condemns Gender Bias Against Women in Leadership Positions

JUBA – Atong Kuol Manyang, South Sudan’s Minister of Trade and Industry, has spoken out against persistent gender discrimination facing women leaders, asserting they are frequently denied the same respect and recognition afforded to their male counterparts.

Minister Atong delivered her powerful remarks on Saturday during the Juba launch of National Assembly Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba’s autobiography, The Art of Power: Pursuing Liberation and Nation Building.

Challenging Stereotypes and Undermining Behavior

The minister criticized the widespread assumption that women advance in leadership through personal relationships rather than capability and merit.

Drawing from her own experience as a former deputy governor, Atong revealed how some officials deliberately disrespect women leaders by refusing to use proper official salutations and courtesy titles.

“The issue of women in politics is always discussed,” Minister Atong stated. “People often assume a woman succeeds only because of relationships. But your story shows that leadership requires merit. I have witnessed how people sometimes fail to show respect to women in leadership, even ministers or deputy governors, while showing it to men.”

Speaker Kumba Hailed as Inspiration

She praised Speaker Kumba’s autobiography, which chronicles her experiences during the liberation struggle and subsequent leadership journey, as speaking directly to these challenges and serving as an inspiration.

“Your book speaks to these experiences and inspires us all,” Atong said. “You are a role model, especially for young girls and for those of us who came after you.”

She described Kumba as a pioneering figure who inspires both young men and women aspiring to leadership positions in South Sudan.

Credit: Original reporting by James Atem Kuir. Source: Original article.