Independence Day special: The Women of Gogrial echo hope

At the stroke of the midday hour, on July 9th 2011, when every citizen was glued to the radio listening to President Salva Kiir make his Independence speech, many citizens began their own journeys with a new-born nation, their lives running parallel to the independence dreams. 

Elizabeth Awal Akok, the Chairperson of Women association in Gogrial state, has been witness to the country’s every birth, crawling and stumbling. 

Her story, her lessons and interactions tell us a lot about how South Sudan has come as a nation and where the citizens need to pause and re-evaluate,  as the country prepares to celebrate the 7th independence anniversary.

She spoke with Radio Miraya correspondent in Gogrial, Manyang Mayom.