South Sudan’s Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare signed an agreement Wednesday with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) to build new facilities aimed at supporting women and girls.
The deal, part of the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project, includes construction of the ministry’s headquarters, a safe house in the capital, Juba, and two Women’s Economic Community Centers in the cities of Wau and Torit.
The centers will provide training, resources and safe spaces for women and girls.
The project, backed by the World Bank, was first approved in June 2022 to promote gender equality and economic opportunities.
Timothy Yobuta, the project’s manager, said the agreement marked a key step toward implementation.
“These facilities will strengthen the ministry’s work and provide critical spaces for women’s advancement,” Yobuta said.
Esther Ikere Eluzai, the ministry’s undersecretary, called the agreement a milestone, particularly in addressing gender-based violence.
UNOPS officials pledged support in ensuring timely construction. The ministry thanked partners for their continued backing of the initiative.