Women’s Livelihood Project Launched to Empower Rural Women in Juba

By Denilson Denike

Juba – In a bid to empower rural women and enhance their economic independence, the Women’s Livelihood Project was launched yesterday at the Equatoria Women Union center. The project aims to support underprivileged women in Juba County and Terekeka County, particularly in Gudele, Joppa, Gurei, and Rajaf areas.

Speaking during the launch, Ayeko wani Augustino, the Director of Gender, Child and Social Welfare at the Central Equatoria State Ministry of Gender, Child, and Welfare, emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among the women involved in the project. He urged them to form corporate groups or associations to receive funding for their businesses, while leaving tribalism, nepotism, and jealousy behind.

“Focus on the business so that you can progress in what you want to achieve in the future,” Augustino advised.

He also commended the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative for empowering women through this project, which aims to uplift them and make them economically self-reliant.

Veronica Apolo, the chairlady of the Equatoria Women Union, urged the women to embrace the opportunity and work hard towards achieving their goals.

“Your coming here today should be the power that will drive all of you ahead in what you’re going to do,” she stated.

Apolo also reminded the women not to neglect their families while concentrating on their businesses.

“Allocate some time for your families as well. We know the life we are living in South Sudan as women; we are hustling by all means to provide for our families,” she said.

David Dagu, the Country Program Manager for the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative (WPDI) in South Sudan, explained the project’s objectives.

“The project is aimed at supporting underprivileged women from communities in Juba County and Terekeka County. After undergoing training in business and entrepreneurship, they will transition into village savings and loans associations,” Dagu explained.

He also mentioned that WPDI will provide additional support to help expand their respective businesses.

Bush Buse, the Central Equatoria State Program Coordinator for WPDI, highlighted the training aspect of the project.

“These women will undergo three months of training before receiving the funding. This is an opportunity to implement the Women’s Livelihood Project,” Buse stated.

He further added that WPDI focuses on helping societies affected by conflicts and gang violence transform into safer and more productive communities, with a specific emphasis on developmental projects.

The Women’s Livelihood Project is funded by Skinny Dipped, an American company. Through this initiative, rural women in Juba and Terekeka will have the opportunity to improve their livelihoods and contribute to the economic development of their communities.