Juba Museum begins preserving history of women in liberation movement

A new museum in Juba has begun preserving the names, paintings, and personal accounts of South Sudanese women whose contributions to the liberation struggle were never formally documented. The She Stands Women’s Museum is the first institution in the country focused on the roles women played from the liberation struggle to peacebuilding, cultural preservation, education, and leadership. The museum that is dedicated to documenting, preserving, and celebrating the historical contributions of South Sudanese women was opened in Juba on May 30, 2026. The institution features galleries with paintings, sculptures, photographs, personal stories, and historical records. It also includes a Hall of Remembrance, community cultural exhibitions, and educational spaces for youth. The museum is an initiative of the Achol Philip Foundation, established in memory of Achol Philip Nhial, a South Sudanese educationist and humanitarian who died in 1993. During the liberation struggle, Achol advocated for women, widows, and orphans. The project is spearheaded by her daughter, Anok Salva Kiir. Susan Awut Ahoy, the Executive Director of the She Stands Women’s Museum and Initiative, stated that the project addresses a gap in the documented history of the country. “It is established to preserve and honor the stories of women who fought during the liberation struggle,” Ahoy said. “Some stories were not documented, and some aspects of our cultures were not documented for the world to hear. The purpose of this museum is to make sure those stories are told through paintings, sculptures, names, and personal accounts.” Ahoy added that the museum functions as a learning institution for youth regarding the roles women played in the conflict and the country’s diverse cultures. “Our children should not be left in the dark,” Ahoy said. “The youth should know what happened and appreciate it so they can pass these stories to future generations.” The collection of names, photographs, videos, testimonies, and records required years of consultations and research. Dr. Sitona, a contributor who assisted in identifying women and gathering accounts, noted that the documentation process is ongoing. “If not for this effort, many of our names could have been forgotten,” Dr. Sitona said. “The majority of the women are represented, and the process continues. It is a small place now, but bigger things will come.” Veterans of the liberation struggle attended the launch and spoke on the preservation of their history. Rebecca Joshua Okwaci, who served in Division Seven and worked in journalism during the conflict, stated that the museum belongs to the public. “Let us carry the message,” Okwaci said. “Let us be ambassadors. Let us talk about this beautiful thing.” Okwaci noted that citizens are still learning about the participation of women in the liberation movement, and that documentation ensures future generations understand those sacrifices. Veteran Aluel Bior Jok stated that women participated in liberation efforts while raising children under conflict conditions. “What has been done here is something we will not forget,” Jok said, expressing hope that youth will continue to protect national history. Family members of those recognized also spoke at the event. Honorable Viola Samuel, whose late mother is named in the exhibits, described the museum as a record of achievement for female citizens. “Even though she is gone, she has not gone forever from our memories and our hearts,” Samuel said. “The bar has been set very high. Let us study, work hard, and become role models for future generations.” Visitors stated that the exhibitions provide information on wartime roles that was previously unavailable in public texts. Fifi William, an attendee, noted that the videos, artifacts, and cultural displays challenge previous perceptions. “Women also fought,” William said. “They cooked, supported communities, and did many things during the war. It is a place where you can learn about many cultures, customs, and histories that we did not know before.” The post Juba Museum begins preserving history of women in liberation movement appeared first on Eye Radio .