Fragility Situations and Their Implications on Economic Empowerment of Women in Bor, Jonglei; South Sudan

Globally fragility situations have become a cause and consequence of women disempowerment. In Africa, protracted conflicts, disregard for the rule of law and increased poverty levels have been experienced in countries whose fragility levels are high. In Somali, South Sudan and Sudan efforts at women empowerment have been minimal as governments are more focused on clientelism and or self-aggrandizement. In Bor, South Sudan, where levels of fragility are high, focus has largely been on provision of basic services as opposed to women empowerment. And even where this exists, low literacy levels, patriarchy and cultural inhibitions against inclusion of women and girls remain conspicuous. This paper examines the implications of years of protracted conflicts, bad governance, poverty and patriarchy on efforts at women empowerment. The study is based on data collected by researchers from Kenyatta University, Catholic University of South Sudan and John Garang University under the umbrella of SPARC in the period 2022 to 2024 in Bor; Jonglei. Analysis is done by use of both qualitative and quantitative methods where necessary. It was established that fragility situations affect levels of participation and protection of women, boys and girls in empowerment efforts. To address challenges related to increased levels of fragility governments, development partners and local communities need to synergize their efforts to avoid duplication and neglect of some regions. Urgent cessation of hostilities among warring government factions must be prioritized.