Her Voice, Her Leadership; Women Shaping South Sudan’s Future

From classroom teacher to a political figure, an icon of strength championing the quest for inclusivity and representation of women in governance and the civil affair of the country. This is the story of Hon Mary Emilio Bafuka, the woman representative for Wau county in the Northern Bar El Gazel State Legislative Assembly.

According to Mary, the absence of women in active politics pushed her to take up the mantle

“I joined politics because women were not involved in leadership and their issues were not considered. In the past, we saw trailblazers like the late mama Haja Mur, Nefisa Bishara as women at a level we could not reach but later I realized that we have the right and potential to participate in everything, that is why I joined the legislative assembly,” she asserts.

“I also joined politics to challenge men in leadership. In the past, if there was an appointment in any institution, you will find that men were given bigger positions while women walked away with minor ones,” she added.

After the allocation of the 35% women quota, there have been complaints on violations, something Mary is not proud of. The teacher turned politician who stayed in Khartoum in her youthful years says the 35% affirmative action given to women is better compared to the 25% allocation during the Sudan regime. However, implementation remains a problem.

“There must be equality between men and women, and the 35% affirmative action must be implemented. Even here at the state level, you will find that there are few women leading committees as compared to men.”

The 58-year-old legislature is grateful to her dad – Emilio Bafuka Zingal for laying the foundation of her leadership by sending her to school and her late husband, Peter Joseph, who pushed her to complete her university education. She also commends her clan, which ensured that she did not face difficulties in her political path.

Mary did not just become a leader at the assembly overnight. She traces her leadership tracts to her secondary school days

“I was the secretary of finance in the church of Wau during the time of Gabriel Zubier Wako. I was tasked to handle human resource development in the camp in Khartoum in 1987. Then when Riek Machar initiated Khartoum Peace Agreement that led to the party called “United Democratic Front”, I was the chairperson of the women league and when the movement failed, I and all the other members diverted to SPLM, which I am a member to date,” she said.

Hon. Mary Emilio Bafuka at a past conference.

Since joining leadership Emilio did not just amaze experience but leadership positions as well.

“I held the position of chairperson of Women Union in Western Bahr el Ghazal State, chairperson of the Education Committee in the Legislative Assembly, and also chaired the Law Enforcement Committee at the Assembly. I also served as Deputy Speaker at the legislative assembly in WBGS when the country had 32 states. Currently, I am serving as a member of parliament.”

To her, the many years garnered in public service have not gone to waste. She has recorded quite a long list of achievements.

“As the chairperson for women league, I campaigned for Sudan People’s Liberation Movement against the National Congress Party from the county to the state level. I also facilitated the programs of the women union using my own resources, something that has left mark and is commended to date. Meanwhile, I bought clothes, and chairs in school at my own cost because I was committed to serving the people of Kpaile.”

Her contributions did not just end at the schools. She extended a hand to the sick, and paid medical bills to some of her constituents who dearly needed the support, in addition to paying school fees to needy students.

Through her generosity, Mary did not forget women and girls, she extended a helping hand to them in equal measure “I have supported girls in schools dud to the significance of education, and also to women facing financial challenges.

With elections looming, the legislature wants women to take up roles.

“I want women to actively participate in the election processes, in registration, and voting as well. They should understand where the politics of this country is heading to. They should not fear. Women should not see this as a field for men alone or for female politicians. Get involved because you have what it takes,” she says.

As a woman representative, she is certain she will contest for a position to promote women participation going into the future.

She sees the 35% women quota as a ceremonial gesture, considering the huge responsibilities belabored on the shoulders of women.

“The percentage is just given to women as a favor, but we do a lot to showcase. This percentage is less so women need to work hard. I’d like to see it increased to 50%. Therefore, we should not shy away when we are facing challenges,” she explained, rallied potential women leaders.

Women in politics posses strong qualities and courage, but that does not mean they do not face challenges. Mary says:  Women are not given a full mandate to perform their duties in leadership. Women rights are supposed to be executed as enshrined in the constitution. Women and men are equal; there should not be discrimination in doing things. We also do not have salary, which makes it difficult to help our people now.”

As much as she is in Wau, Mary says kept her communication channels open, and constantly speaks with her people back home in Kpaile. They are also mobilizing relief items to be sent to the over 16,000 people displaced from Nagero; with four groups doing the mobilization.

Mary believes her calm demeanor and attitude is what makes her leadership different from her counterparts. She also notes that as a mother, having schedules has helped her balance her domestic and office work without overlaps.

Her vision for South Sudan is peace which she believes will pave way for development

With women in power and wealth always coming under scrutiny from society, Mary advises them to,among other things, always respect their husbands.

“My message to the girls and women, if you get blessed and get a job or a big position, please respect your partner (husband) even if he has a small job. Life in this world is about sharing and helping each other. Also respect clans, yours and where you got married into. If you see a fellow woman going up the ladder, do not bring her down but support her to climb further. Women can change this country by doing the right things, let us encourage and support each other,” she says, with a sigh.

On the other hand, Mary calls on voters to support in sharing ideas and materially.

To Mary, women and children going to school gives her the indication that the future of the nation will be bright.