South Sudan continues to face recurring violent conflict, food insecurity, corruption, and poverty. Despite positive shifts within national legislation on gender equality, political, social, and economic power in South Sudanese society continues to reflect the deep patriarchy within society. The role of women and men, reflecting the gender norms of their respective cultural milieus, in both resolving and driving conflict is often not well understood by aid actors. Patterns of marginalisation, affecting both women and men, stem from the colonial era and were largely present during the Second Sudan Civil War. These patterns continue to intersect with conflict, leading to a build-up of toxic masculinities and violence in South Sudan. Addressing gender inequality, poverty and violence using a conflict-sensitive approach is vital for peace in South Sudan, as well as its long-term development. Aid actors should ensure this process is inclusive, with particular attention paid to marginalised and disempowered women and girls, men and boys.