Women’s Vocational School in YEI River County Empowers 693 Graduates in Social Power and Economic Sustainability

YEI – A significant milestone was reached as 693 women recently graduated from a vocational school specializing in social power and economic empowerment. The program, organized by Women for Women International South Sudan, has received widespread acclaim for its transformative impact on the lives of women in YEI River County.

Esborn Gale Simon, the Acting Executive Director for YEI River County, expressed gratitude for the positive changes witnessed in the local community since the implementation of this vocational training.

Local chiefs have reportedly noted a decrease in reports of family abuse, attributing this improvement to the empowered women who underwent life skills training in areas such as bakery, hair styling, tailoring, and agricultural practices focused on high-demand vegetables in the YEI market.

“We have seen remarkable reductions in problems within some families,” said Simon.

“Women have become job creators, earning income and elevating their economic status. Economic empowerment has made families stronger, tackling poverty-related issues head-on. This positive transformation is manifesting throughout YEI, resulting in improvements at both the town and family levels. Interestingly, female tailors now dominate the market, surpassing their male counterparts.”

Marianne Kajokaya, the Country Director for Women for Women International South Sudan, highlighted the success of the program since its inception in 2019. Over a span of five years, Women for Women International has graduated more than 15,693 women in YEI River County alone. The training program encompasses 12 months, divided into two parts: social power and economic empowerment.

The social power component comprises modules on women’s solidarity, women’s values, women’s health awareness, gender equality, and women’s role in community development. Economic empowerment covers numerous modules: savings, business skills, and cooperative training. After six months of classroom learning, participants delve into vocational skills training for the remaining six months, ultimately graduating with valuable skills.

Kajokaya emphasized the program’s goal of transforming women’s lives, enabling them to make financial decisions and save money within their households. The impact of this program is evident in improved financial literacy, increased awareness of rights and values, and women’s financial freedom through their own businesses.

To further support women’s financial independence, Women for Women International South Sudan encourages participants to join Village Saving and Norms Associations (VSNA).