Africa-Press – South-Sudan. The Speaker of the Transitional Legislative Assembly has said the August House is looking toward initiating a tax-related bill aimed at supporting women in business.
The Speaker, Joseph Ngere SBE, said in a video shared on his Facebook page that the proposed “women enterprise development bill” is intended to address challenges faced by women engaged in small-scale and informal businesses, including multiple taxation and domestic restrictions that limit their economic activities.
“We are looking toward initiating a women enterprise development bill. You see women along the road doing all kinds of business,” he said.
“We want to protect them from high taxation, double taxation. We also want to protect them from their husbands not allowing their wives to go and do business, because they think that when the wife has no money, they lose their value.”
His remarks come after women entrepreneurs and activists raised concerns about the business environment in Juba, saying many small businesses are under pressure from rising costs and social constraints.
Last week, speaking on Eye Radio’s The Dawn programme on April 15, entrepreneur Agnes Zera said women-owned businesses are shrinking or closing due to multiple and sometimes unclear taxes imposed by local authorities. She cited fees related to security, waste collection, and other charges that make it difficult for small traders to operate.
Zera also said cultural attitudes affect women in business, noting that financial independence in women can be viewed with suspicion in some households, which may lead to domestic conflict and violence.
Human rights activist Adut Christina said women in business often combine income-generating work with household responsibilities, including childcare and domestic duties. She said long working hours can expose women to domestic violence when they return home, affecting business continuity.
A caller identified as Mama Flora called for stronger government action, saying women entrepreneurs play a key role in supporting families through income used for food, education, and healthcare.
The proposed bill is expected to be tabled in the August House once drafting is completed, as stakeholders call for tax reforms, stronger protection against GBV, and improved support for women-led enterprises.
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