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Compassionate commitment: Laduma Egan, Disability and Women’s Rights Advocate, South Sudan

Laduma Patricia Egan from Eastern Equatoria, South Sudan knows how to transform the cards dealt to her into a winning hand. This disability and women's rights advocate has been on crutches ever since she can remember but that hasn't stopped her from being a beacon of hope for her people. Photo by Okello James/UNMISS

EASTERN EQUATORIA – Living with a disability in South Sudan or anywhere in the world isn’t easy, but Laduma Patricia Egan makes it appear so.

This single mother has taken the hand given to her by fate, if you will, and made it count.

“I have physically been on crutches for as long as I remember but emotionally, I have the strength of at least 10 able bodied people,” says the feisty 44-year-old with a laugh.

As project coordinator for Eastern Equatoria’s Union of Persons with Disabilities, and Acting Director, Human Resources, at the State Ministry of Education, Laduma is clearly a beacon of hope for many others like her in the world’s youngest nation.

“Living with a disability doesn’t merely require you to adapt to your physical limitations. It teaches you that others may not look at you the same way as you do,” she reveals.

“I got married in 2007, had two children but then my husband suddenly left me. Till now, I don’t know why, but I’m almost certain it’s because living with me required compromises and adjustments due to my physical limitations. It was a tough time, bringing up two children on my own, but today I feel empathy rather than bitterness that the person I pledged to spend my life with couldn’t realize that my mind and my determination to succeed were limitless,” she reminisces poignantly.

“I work hard and with energy. I believe that every woman, every disabled person must make their voice count and I do my best to give them a platform to do so,” states Laduma.

Her passion for equal rights is unparalleled and she traverses the length and breadth of the state to advocate for the disabled.

“I live their reality,” she states simply. “Perhaps that’s why communities, especially women, listen when I speak to them. They feel they aren’t alone in their struggles.”

There’s another worthy cause close to Laduma’s heart: The full and equal participation of women in politics, governance, and decision-making.

“I work in the state Ministry of Education and I am keenly aware that South Sudanese women and girls – whether it is due to the overarchingly patriarchal nature of our society, cultural practices such as early marriages, or sheer neglect – have not been given the same opportunities as their male counterparts when it comes to education and learning,” she states passionately.

“I firmly believe that we won’t be able to build an inclusive and lasting peace from the ground up if women aren’t part of the peacemaking process.”

Laduma is championing advocacy efforts, particularly in rural areas, to raise awareness about the importance of women peacebuilders.

“Women are not victims. We are the anchors of peace in our families, our neighbourhoods and our communities. We are a vital element if South Sudan is to heal the devastation of civil wars and look forward to a brighter, more prosperous future,” says this remarkable woman.

Laduma’s work in building trust, confidence and empowering women is inspiring, to say the least.

Her message for women and girls across South Sudan: “Peace begins at home, within the family unit. Your role in shaping peace, in shaping a world of equal rights for women and men, in shaping a world filled with kindness, inclusivity and development is vital.”