Position: Consultant – Gender Analysis of The Draft Family Law Bill South Sudan from the Perspective of the Women’s Movement.

Location: Remote.

Duration: 07 days

Expected start date: 15th April 2025

Introduction:

The Strategic Initiative for Women in the Horn of Africa (SIHA) is a civil society coalition bringing together grassroots women’s rights organizations from Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Somaliland, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, and Uganda. It was established in 1995 by a collection of women’s rights activists, with the view of strengthening the capacity of women’s rights organizations in the Horn of Africa. SIHA aims to contribute to unlocking the massive potential of women’s rights movements in the horn of Africa, by improving the capacity of local organizations, and building a strong network of grassroots civil society members that can interact and support one another in advocating for effective change. SIHA operates as a regional platform for the mobilization of activists, vulnerable and marginalized groups of women, men, and girls to harness resources that include, but are not limited to knowledge and information, capacity building, and financial support aimed at challenging the root causes of problems and challenges faced by women and girls in the Horn of Africa Region. More information about SIHA is available at www.sihanet.org

Project Background:

Building a strong, autonomous, and inclusive women’s movement is critical to stimulating political, legal, and socio-economic equality and equity for women and girls. The ‘We Cannot Wait’ project recognises that although there are strong policy arguments for women’s inclusion in development, empowerment, and equality, in practice these public policies are less resourced and prioritized. The existing acceptance of customary and religious legal frameworks in parallel with statutory law, civil codes, and social norms remains a challenge. These laws uphold and legitimise social practices that discriminate against women and subordinate women and girls to patriarchal hierarchy. They act to limit women’s personal agency in all senses, restricting their decision-making capacity in the household and family level, political leadership, economic participation, and social progression.

The Gender Analysis:

In 2022, the Government of South Sudan with support from Development partners and Civil Society Organizations drafted the Family law Bill 2022. The Bill was drafted in accordance with the provision of Article 52 and 39 (2) of the Transitional Constitution of the Republic of South Sudan 2011 (as amended 2015) which mandates all levels of government to promote the welfare of the family and enact the necessary laws for its protection. Also, the 15rh Bill is in line with the response to the 2021 recommendations of the Expert Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women to the Government of South Sudan.

The purpose of the Bill is to reform and consolidate the law on marriage; to provide for the types of recognized marriage; to provide for marital rights and duties; to provide for separation and divorce and the consequences of separation and divorce including the custody of children, identity to be adopted by separated or divorced children; and provide for any related matters.

The women’s movement in South Sudan has been central in the advocacy for an inclusive family policy in the country to protect vulnerabilities of women and girls in the family unit and, addressing the broader impact of such vulnerabilities on their socio-economic, and political participation.

While the draft Family Law Bill is still a consultative document, there has been a long wait on the progress of the Bill. A clear understanding of the current content of the Bill is critical to guide advocacy for reforms and enactment of a people-centered law that addresses the strategic and practical gender disparities in the country. The continued lack of a legal framework on the family enhances backlash against progressive gains in the socio-economic and political development of women and girls.

Objectives of the Gender Analysis:

The main objective of the gender analysis is to assess key proposals in the draft Bill to determine how well they align with the lived experiences and aspirations of women and girls in South Sudan and their communities while ensuring compliance with national, regional, and international norms on gender equality and women’s rights. In particular, the analysis seeks to:

• Highlight strengths within the draft Bill that contribute to gender equality while identifying specific gaps and barriers that require further consultation and reforms, if any.
• In specific terms, assess whether the proposal on Islamic marriage conforms to progressive Islamic principles of equality and inclusion of women and girls in the family.
• Propose recommendations to ensure the Bill reflects national, regional and international policy norms and practices on gender equality, strengthening its impact on legal and social frameworks.

Expected Deliverables:

• Detail gender analysis report of 15-20 pages highlighting key areas of the draft gender Bill for reforms or further consultation.
• Tailored recommendations for advocacy on the enactment of gender-responsive Family law for South Sudan.
• A concise and accessible policy brief (5 pages) of the gender analysis tailored for advocacy and easy dissemination among civil society, policymakers, religious and traditional leaders, and the broader public.

Desired qualification and Experience:

• Master’s degree in Gender studies, social sciences, or a related field.
• Strong understanding of political and socio-economic landscape of South Sudan including gender equality index.
• In-depth understanding of family law reforms especially the Islamic, Christianity and traditional family norms in South Sudan.
• Excellent writing, editing, and facilitation skills.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of regional languages is an advantage

How to Apply:

SIHA Network requests interested candidates to provide their current CV and expression of Interest to SIHA through the link: https://airtable.com/appJvKRIL80w0OyXU/shrNqyKD27ILsImI1 not later than April 15, 2025, 11:59pm (EAT)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the expected volume of applications, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted. If you don’t hear from us within 15 working days from the advertisement closing date, please know that your application was not considered.