JUBA, South Sudan — Female graduates and job seekers in South Sudan say they face pressure from potential employers demanding sex in exchange for employment, particularly in the oil, telecommunications, and government sectors. This pattern has reportedly been ongoing since the country’s independence in 2011, and applicants say the issue remains widespread.
Women seeking jobs in the private sector and with international organizations claim they experience these demands as a frequent barrier. Some job seekers also report ongoing sexual harassment within the workplace, with heightened vulnerability for those pursuing positions in the country’s lucrative oil and telecommunications industries.
Aker James, a 28-year-old graduate in mass communication and journalism from the National University of Juba, expressed frustration over what she describes as dehumanizing treatment during her job search. “I decided to stay at home rather than endure the inappropriate demands from employers,” James said.
The allegations have underscored a persistent need for workplace protections and ethical hiring practices in South Sudan, particularly in industries prone to these reported abuses.
