We mourn for Sarah Ajith
Sarah James Ajith, founder of Support for Women in Governance Organisation (SWIGO)
The Karama network mourns the loss of our sister, Sarah James Ajith.
Sarah, the founder of Support for Women in Governance Organisation (SWIGO) in South Sudan, was a truly incredible teacher, social worker, mediator, and activist for peace and democracy.
We first met Sarah through her participation in the Taskforce for the Engagement of Women in Sudan and South Sudan, when she was already a leading figure in South Sudanese civil society, having lobbied for women to be included in Sudan’s Comprehensive Peace Agreement and been deeply involved in South Sudan’s liberation struggle.
In the midst of violence and hardships that the people of South Sudan faced, Sarah was both beacon and catalyst. With a blend of quiet resolve and unyielding determination, she spearheaded a grassroots movement, leading civic and voter education campaigns across ten southern states. Against a backdrop of political upheaval and uncertainty, she emerged as a steadfast advocate for women's political participation during the referendum on independence.
Sarah’s vision and commitment extended beyond the vote, working determined to shape South Sudan’s future, working with a coalition of women to advocate for women’s rights in the drafting of the transitional constitution.
Sarah’s work was of national and international significance - but every bit as important was her work at local level. During our women’s leadership conference in Cambridge, Sarah spoke of her efforts at local mediation, reaching out to tribes in conflict and dispute, building bridges, and seeking to bring peace in a fraught and chaotic environment. She spoke of the difficulty of mediation, the work that one must commit to it, the sacrifices that one makes, but that the value of such work is immeasurable.
Sarah was peacemaker of profound skill and intelligence. Her quiet dignity and the respect she had for people made her a serene presence. As a teacher, she was incredibly patient and kind, a person who listened with thoughtfulness and intensity. She would speak slowly, carefully, deliberately, and often quietly, always with wisdom, always with humour and compassion.
Sarah (centre) speaking in Cambridge in 2017
When Sarah raised her voice, it was powerful enough to shake foundations. At our conference in The Hague in 2017, Sarah spoke with controlled fury that despite her work as a peace activist, in her 55 years “I have never known peace”.
As an advocate, she had a unique way of interacting with and influencing people. There were no hidden agendas with Sarah, her honesty and commitment shone through the darkest times. She was truly indispensable.
Sarah lived through the most turbulent time in the history of her nation, and had taken on such huge responsibility. A true activist, she stood up for the things that mattered to her community when political leaders refused to do so. That is so often the work of women activists, and Sarah was a role model, a teacher, a leader, and a friend to us all.
This demonstration of leadership, her sense of compassion, her wisdom and empathy, the serenity she showed in spite of the chaos she faced, all her qualities meant that she came to be known by all, young and old, as ‘Mama Sarah’.
Above all, she was a woman who personified hope, someone who could resolve contradictions that would confound others. A woman who experienced appalling conflict, but who bore no scars or bitterness. The most serene person, who lived in the most chaotic of situations. The wisest teacher, who would listen most intently. The most powerful speaker, with the softest and most comforting voice. A woman who kept her wonderful sense of humour in spite of the tragedies and injustice she had witnessed.
Sarah (right) at taking part in the Wa’ed network workshop in 2023
Sarah did extraordinary work to advocate for peace, justice, and development in Africa’s youngest country, so it was natural that Sarah was absolutely committed to the rights and wellbeing of its youngest citizens. She was last with us in Cairo last year as part of our work with the Wa’ed network of adolescent girls. Sarah’s work with young women and girls bore all the hallmarks of her outstanding activism, she was as comfortable and sensitive working with girls as she was strategic and diplomatic when dealing with the most senior of decision makers. She paid attention to everyone, and she had such power that no one could ignore her.
Multiple generations were mentored by Sarah - young people through her work with adolescent girls and as a teacher, but many politicians and activists early in their careers sought Sarah’s guidance. Sarah was highlight educated, but her lived experience provided her with insight that she was only too happy to share with others, to support their development.
Everyone in the Karama network mourns the loss of a woman whose work has touched so many in South Sudan, in Sudan, in Africa, and the world. The memory and the example of our dear friend Sarah will continue to inspire us, and generations more.