POLITICAL VOICES

Jemma Nunu Kumba

Speaker of the Reconstituted Transitional National Legislative Assembly, South Sudan

Jemma Nunu Kumba is a South Sudanese politician, who is the current speaker of the Transnational National Legislative Assembly.

A member of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement political party, Ms. Kumba was one of the earliest voices in the fight for South Sudan’s independence. She previously served as Governor of Western Equatoria state, Minister for Housing and Physical Planning, Minister of Electricity, Dams, Irrigation and Water Resources, and Minister of Wildlife Conservationism and Tourism.

Relevant discourse

Speech at the swearing in ceremony of the new Transnational National Legislative Assembly, Aug. 3. 2021.

Speaking on her role as speaker and on women in South Sudan:

“Needless to remind you, this is the first time in the history of our country,(that) a woman occupies this position. I am the first female speaker of the National Legislation in our country. I take this opportunity to, on behalf of the women of our beloved nation, thank the president for recognizing women and giving us the chance to exercise our right, as enshrined in our national constitution. This appointment is therefore an honor not for me alone, but for all the women of this country. This indicates that, following his pledge to empower the women of South Sudan, the president is now putting us at a parity with our male compatriots in the top management of the affairs of the country.

It is my humble conviction that the citizens of South Sudan, represented by the honorable members in this house, are standing with President Salva Kiir Mayadit and appreciate him for this patriotic move. It is hoped that from now on forward, we will firmly join the President in the noble endeavor to achieve the full emancipation and empowerment of the women in our country. Accounting for nearly 60% of our country’s population, the women constituency is too huge to ignore and marginalize.

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