A group of women in South Sudan’s Torit state have, despite hardships involved, opted to crush stones for a living.
But while some of the women say they crush stones to put food on the table, others are in the business for self-reliance.
Margret Bikoki, a resident of Hai Police, told Radio Tamazuj she is engaged in the business of breaking stones in order to provide her children with the basic necessities of life.
Bikoki said she is able to pay for school fees for her children, take them to hospital and buy them food to eat, besides other needs.
“I crush the stones and put them in small bags [normally weighing between 10-15kg] and people come and buy from me. One bag is sold at 200 SSP. If I sell one bag, I am able to buy some foodstuffs,” said Bikoki.
“This way, I am able to survive with my kids,” she added.
Dominica Bura, a Torit state resident, said her life has depended on crushing stones to earn a living over the past two years.
A grandmother, Bura said she has no other ways to make money.
“I do collect stones from long distances and carry them to the crushing zone. It is difficult to get someone who can help me,” she said.
Bura said she used to sell firewood in Torit town, but the insecurity situation hindered the business.
Apoloni Idwa, another resident of Torit state, said the fear to beg or steal from people made her engage in the business of crushing rocks.
“I don’t want to depend on other people, I don’t want to go and collect people’s property. I just want to work and rely on myself,” she said.
The women urged government and other agencies to provide them with empowerment programs to enable them support their families.
Meanwhile the Director General at the State Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, Idwa Dominica Vitale said plans are underway to empower women who lack funds to operate their own businesses.
Most women, Idwa said, are currently depending on Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) and other entities for support.