Rédaction Africa Links 24 with SudanTribune
Published on 2024-04-07 02:32:37
In the context of driving socioeconomic change in Northern Bahr el Ghazal state, the University of Northern Bahr el Ghazal (UNB) plays a crucial role in poverty eradication, gender equality, and cultural harmony in South Sudan. Despite being classified as the poorest state in the country, Northern Bahr el Ghazal holds great significance due to its population size and potential for development.
Gender equality is a key aspect of poverty eradication, as evidenced by global and South Sudanese population statistics. Implementing laws and policies that promote gender equity is essential in addressing poverty and ensuring progress. In South Sudan, where females slightly outnumber males in terms of population, there is a pressing need to prioritize gender equality initiatives.
Education is a powerful tool in advancing gender equality, yet statistics from recent ceremonies in Northern Bahr el Ghazal highlight a concerning gender disparity among university graduates. The disproportionately low number of female graduates raises questions about the accessibility of education for women and the support systems in place to help them succeed.
Efforts to address gender disparities in education must include elevating technical colleges into comprehensive universities with diverse colleges that cater to a variety of interests. This requires immediate action from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology to support female students and reduce dropout rates among women.
The establishment of UNB was a significant milestone following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in 2005. However, bureaucratic hurdles and policy changes have hindered the university’s progress, contributing to setbacks in addressing gender disparities and socioeconomic challenges in Northern Bahr el Ghazal.
Recent announcements regarding the conversion of polytechnic colleges to technical colleges raise concerns about the lack of comprehensive reforms needed at UNB. Emphasizing specialized medical sciences over broader socioeconomic challenges overlooks the importance of addressing gender empowerment and cultural barriers in the region.
Challenges such as cultural norms, economic hardships, and limited access to higher education continue to impede progress towards gender equality and poverty eradication in Northern Bahr el Ghazal. Inadequate budgetary allocations and infrastructure further hinder efforts to expand educational opportunities, particularly for female students.
Strengthening UNB is essential in addressing the entrenched socioeconomic challenges in Northern Bahr el Ghazal and promoting gender equality, poverty eradication, and cultural harmony in South Sudan. Policy reforms and sufficient resources must be allocated to elevate UNB to its rightful status as a catalyst for positive change in the region.
As a Minister of Investment and Chairperson of the Board of Directors of Aweil Researchers and Academics Forum (ARAF) in Juba, South Sudan, the writer emphasizes the importance of UNB in driving socioeconomic change and addressing the region’s pressing challenges. By prioritizing gender equality, poverty eradication, and cultural harmony, UNB can play a transformative role in Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s development and progress.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
