UNFPA and China Distribute 800 Dignity Kits to Vulnerable Women and Girls in Juba
By Denilson Deneki
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), in partnership with the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China and under the leadership of South Sudan’s Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, launched the distribution of 800 dignity kits to vulnerable women and girls in South Sudan on Friday.
The launch event, held in Juba, was officiated by Honorable Nuna Rhoda, Minister of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, alongside His Excellency Ambassador Ma Qiang, the Chinese Ambassador to South Sudan. The two officials symbolically distributed the first batch of dignity kits, marking the official start of this vital initiative.
The dignity kits are intended to help women and girls manage their personal hygiene safely and with dignity, especially during displacement, emergencies, and periods of crisis. In a country where access to basic sanitary supplies remains limited for many women and girls, the donation is expected to provide immediate relief to some of the most vulnerable populations.
Ambassador Ma Qiang emphasized the importance of supporting women and girls in humanitarian settings. “Women hold up half the sky,” he said. “They are vital contributors to human civilization, and advancing women’s rights and welfare is a shared responsibility of the international community.” He reaffirmed China’s ongoing support for women’s development and gender equality in South Sudan, stating that the donation would help women and girls maintain essential hygiene during crises.
Dr. Kidane Abraha, UNFPA Officer-in-Charge in South Sudan, described the contribution as highly timely given the current humanitarian context. “The value of these dignity kits is not in their monetary worth, but in their significance and timing, as they provide basic support to women and girls who lack access to essential hygiene items during emergencies,” he said.
UNFPA expressed sincere appreciation to the Government of China for the generous in-kind donation, describing it as both timely and impactful amid ongoing humanitarian challenges in the country. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the South Sudanese government, particularly through the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, to ensure protection interventions are survivor-centered, culturally sensitive, and aligned with national priorities.
Honorable Nuna Rhoda highlighted that the dignity kits symbolize more than just humanitarian supplies. “These kits are a gift of dignity, safety, and comfort for women and girls in vulnerable situations,” she said. “They are a practical step in our shared mission to end gender-based violence.” Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing policies and programs that strengthen the protection, rights, and empowerment of women and girls across South Sudan.
Nyamuch Deng Mgung, one of the beneficiaries, shared her experiences: “The lack of clean water, soap, and sanitary pads has made life especially difficult for women and girls. Mothers are struggling to care for their children amid poor shelter conditions and extreme heat.” She called for continued support, particularly improved access to water and basic supplies, to ease the suffering of families living in displacement camps.
The distribution of these 800 dignity kits is part of a broader collaborative effort between UNFPA, development partners, and the South Sudanese government to address the urgent needs of women and girls affected by displacement and humanitarian crises. This initiative underscores a shared commitment to protecting vulnerable populations and promoting gender equality in challenging circumstances.
