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

Tell us about yourself.

My name is Hon. Grace Lino Kosta, a member of the Other Political Parties (OPP). I am from Jur River County, Kuajena Payam, Mbili Boma and I’m representing Jur River at the state legislative assembly for Northern Bhar el Ghazal.

What motivated you to join politics/ leadership?

I piqued interested in politics from a tender age. Neither of my parents were politicians so I decided to join politics to represent my region.

How did your family, friends and community react when you joined politics?

I contested in the 2010 elections at the national level, but SPLM defeated all parties. I intended to be in parliament, as a minister or work at the state so I can be famous. My family is happy and has been very supportive.

What kind of support did you receive from your family/ community?

Mainly through advise. They also contributed some money for my campaigns and rallies.

What are some of your key leadership styles?

Honesty, justice and transparency. I am honest in my work. If I have funds, I do not hide it from my community. Also, I do not promise what I cannot deliver.

How did you start your political journey?

I was inspired by a friend who introduced me to the OPP and its manifesto and ultimately into politics. When I realized that one can you can join politics at the age of 18, I joined in 2010 immediately. I did not win the elections in 2010 but when the peace agreement was signed, I was appointed to the assembly.

What positions have you served in so far?

I was the clerk in the directorate of community development.In the political party, I served as the Secretary for Information. I’m currently the Chief Whip for Other Political Parties in Parliament.

Hon. Grace Lino Costa speaking during a women leaders’ forum in Wau, Western Bhar el Gazal State. [Photo: Courtesy]

What are some of your leadership achievements so far?

Unfortunately, we don’t have a budget for all the initiative so you take up delivering services. However, as Chief Whip, I raised and wrote a proposal for the establishment of a police station and school in Mbili. It has not been approved because there are no funds currently.

What contributions have you made to the community, especially to women and girls?

I have created massive awareness in my community; and also mobilized people, especially women, at the grassroots to join our party. This is aimed at achieving the 35% target, which will be a huge milestone.

The country is expected to go for election in December this year. What roles do you think women can play in the elections and to shape the future of South Sudan?

Women who are members of the parties must come out and compete in the elections. For ordinary citizens, they should feel free to decide on the leaders they want; and express their right to vote. Sometimes we say I do not have any candidate to vote for. That limits you from expressing your freedom. Come out in large numbers, identify your candidate and vote.

Will you contest in the coming election?

Yes, I will vie as a Member of Parliament for my constituency.

Have you started the campaign?

Not yet. I am currently sharing the information verbally. I am yet to hit the ground running.

What’s your understanding of the 35% of women representation?

This is an affirmative action provision for women that paves way for them to actively participate in leadership positions in government. The positions may include governorship, minister, member of parliament, among others. We have women who have been appointed to these positions, like Hon. Sarah Cleto who was governor. Unfortunately, sometimes they never get to enjoy the proceeds of this provision as they are removed from the positions. This provision must be respected and implemented to the latter. Women must contest and be supported without any discrimination regardless of party affiliation. This is the only way we will achieve the 35% women representation in leadership.

What are the challenges you might have encountered in your leadership?

We are sometimes limited or marginaised. For instance, you may want to actively participate in political positions, but your spouse will want to stop you. We also face logistical challenges, as it is difficult to move to various locations to attend to field activities.

How do you cope with such challenges?

It is challenging. We need mobility so we exercise our duties as mandated especially in the coming election. About the domestic limitations, like the challenges we face from the spouses, I always ensure I consult my husband on various political issues.

What makes your leadership unique from the others?

I am very active, that is why my party leadership chose me for this position.

How do you coordinate with your community back home?

I use phone for communication. If they have issues, they call me sometimes they even come to me here at the assembly.

How do you balance office and domestic duties?

I schedule and plan for my activities accordingly. I also have a housemaid to assist if I’m so busy.

What is your vision toward the future of South Sudan in terms of development and women empowerment?

South Sudan is not like other countries. Its like a crawling baby. When the elections come, I hope we achieve the 35% target to be at par with other countries. We need peace to prevail, so we channel all our effort to development.

What is your message to girls and women who look up to you?

I encourage them to study and work hard so that they can be like me. If you do not go to school, you can not get the confidence to contest and achieve top leadership positions like the Presidency or Member of Parliament.

What would you like to share with the public even as you look forward to the upcoming election?

When contesting of course I should have my manifesto and I will share it during the campaigns.

What will dominate your manifesto?

Development and security are key. Without security, there will be no schools and nothing will be achieved.

What gives you hope that South Sudan shall develop and prosper?

The thought of living with no tribal identities is my hope for a better South Sudan.

What is your message for the people of South Sudan?

We must desist from tribalism. I would like to call upon girls who have delivered in the course of their education to go back for and complete their studies. Any lady who intends to join politics should be confident and move in. Again, elections are approaching and all of us must vote to ensure ou have the right people representing you. The leaders of your choice.