By Binia Elizabeth

The Ambassador of Norway to South Sudan, Roar Haugsdal, has called for renewed commitment to gender equality and an end to violence, emphasizing the important role women play in peace building and national development.

Haugsdal made the remarks during celebrations marking International Women’s Day 2026 held at the Norwegian Ambassador’s Residence on Sunday.

This event was organized by the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Juba.

Speaking at the gathering, the ambassador said recognizing women’s achievements must go hand in hand with advancing equality and sustainable peace.

Reflecting on his personal commitment to gender equality, Haugsdal noted that in Norway, girls are encouraged to pursue any career they aspire to, from political leadership to sports and science.”

In my country, my daughters can become whatever they want, a prime minister, a general, a national police director, an astronaut, or a professional footballer,” he said, urging that South Sudanese women should also become anything they want.

He cited Norwegian football stars such as Erling Haaland and Ada Hegerberg, who plays for Olympique Lyonnais Féminin, as examples of how opportunity and equality allow talent to thrive.

Haugsdal said gender equality has played a major role in Norway’s social and economic progress. Nordic countries consistently rank among the highest globally in development indicators published by the United Nations, including the Human Development Index and global happiness rankings.

He stressed that empowering women is not only a moral responsibility but also an economic necessity.

“Women working in Norway contribute more to our GDP than all of our oil and gas income combined,” he said.

Turning to the situation in South Sudan, Haugsdal expressed concern about the recent escalation of violence, including developments in Akobo.

He warned that armed conflict often leads to increased sexual and gender based violence, disproportionately affecting women and girls.

“These are not just statistics; each victim is someone’s mother, sister, daughter, or cousin,” he said, urging all parties to cease hostilities and return to dialogue.

Meanwhile, Dr. Angelina Matidio Bazugba, the First founding Director of the National Transformational Leadership Institute at the University of Juba, emphasized the importance of women’s participation in governance, peace building, and national development.

She noted that the theme “Give to Gain” calls for collective action to advance gender equality.

“Progress comes when we give our time, our voices, and our solidarity. In return, we gain equality, peace, and prosperity,” she said.

Bazugba highlighted women’s critical role in reconciliation across South Sudan and called for stronger protection of women’s rights, greater involvement in the constitutional drafting process, and increased investment in education and leadership capacity for women and girls.

“Give equality, gain peace. Give education to gain prosperity. Give protection to gain justice. Give voice to gain unity,” she said.

Both speakers urged government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to work together to strengthen women’s participation and promote lasting peace and equality in South Sudan.