Singing for Equality: Joy Mbaraza

UNMISS International Women's Day Joy Mbaraza South Sudan Women Peace Security

Joy Mbaraza is a South Sudanese singer, activist and mother who is passionate about promoting equal rights and opportunities for women through her music. Photo by Denis Louro/UNMISS.

8 Mar 2021

Singing for Equality: Joy Mbaraza

Denis Louro

Joy Mbaraza from South Sudan was born into a family of musicians and started singing with her church choir at a very young age. This mother of five holds a Bachelor’s degree in social work and in this short interview tells us why using music to spread messages of full and equal participation for women across South Sudan is her passion.

What motivated you to combine your activism with your music?

For me, music is power, its where my voice is heard by everybody. Traditionally, in my country women have always been relegated to the back seat. They’re not taken seriously by men in families, communities or in the wider political arena.

As a child, I keenly felt the iniquity of girls not having an equal say or freedom to pursue their ambitions. All young girls seemed to symbolize to their families was a hefty dowry or livestock. Many young women till today are forced into underage marriages and don’t get to complete their education. Widows don’t inherit their husbands’ property, are often victims of sexual abuse…

I wanted to change this. And the best way for me to do it was through music—it reaches so many people. I wasn’t shy of my voice, my opinions, my beliefs when I sang. Singing fills me with courage.

Why do you believe it’s important to use your talent to speak about social issues?

As artists we are entertainers, we are informers and we are educators. Our talent in music allows us to address important social issues like gender-based violence, economic hardships and ensure young people know their rights.

I use music to talk about the differences among us as women and the common challenges we face across the country every day. For example, a while ago, I sang about how mothers in-law should be allies and love their daughters-in-law. I had many women approach me and say that listening to the song has made their in laws stop mistreating them. I know this seems like a small domestic issue but it’s a real challenge faced by so many women across the world. I was very gratified that my efforts made a change in the lives of women.

The ongoing conflict in South Sudan has led to an incredibly high rate of poverty, mistrust and fear – it’s divided us and it continues to make many people focus on what separates us rather than all the things we have in common. It’s brought about a state when we have no time to build our nation because we are always volatile in our reactions to one another. My music gives me the space to throw light on not just the gender divide that exists but also every other harmful division.

Why do you think that women must participate equally in decision-making?

Across the world, it’s always been men who are traditionally hailed as decision-makers. However, this leaves out the tremendous contribution that women can make. I, therefore, decided to release a song about the power of women as influencers and their ability to look at issues critically.

Women are calm they don’t jump the gun; they always look at the impact of their decisions on society, communities and families. So, having a seat at the table and having their opinions counted in issues that impact them directly is paramount. Women are the beating heart of South Sudan and they need to be truly included, whether in politics or in the push for peace if we are to have a more prosperous future.

Why in your opinion women are as capable/qualified as men to lead families, institutions and participate equally in the democratic process?

Where did all our male politicians come from? It’s women who gave birth to them, nurtured them and raised them to be leaders. There’s no reason we can’t be leaders on our own merit. Democracy, by definition, is a state where all voices, all people matter. Women are 50 per cent of any society so if we are not included, it cannot be a true democracy.

How are women are taking the lead in keeping families and communities safe in the COVID context?

You know, I’ve noticed that across South Sudan, it’s women who have been at the forefront of ensuring that all preventive measures related to COVID-19 are adopted by their families. I’m a mother and speaking for myself, I’ve taken every precaution to keep my children safe and virus-free. As working mothers, the lockdowns have given us more time to spend with our children and, while there is no substitute for formal education, we’ve had a chance to inculcate good habits in them.

 What is your hope for South Sudan?

One day peace will prevail, the country will be free from war, free of conflict, free from intercommunal strife and we shall all live in peace.

Do you have any message for young women/girls on International Women’s Day?

Be united and raise your voices on issues close to your heart. If we don’t speak up and speak out, nobody will do so on our behalf. It is time for us to wake up, step out of our comfort zones and play our part in running this country.