Women empowerment project launched in Aweil

A group of women attending the launch of a women’s empowerment project in Aweil town on June 9, 2023. (Radio Tamazuj)

Women leaders in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State have expressed their appreciation for the Women Intellectual Network (WIN), a women-led group, for initiating advocacy and campaign activities aimed at supporting women’s participation in decision-making processes.

In an interview with Radio Tamazuj on Friday, attendees highlighted the project’s benefits, citing the lack of awareness among women about their rights and strategies to navigate the current financial crises.

Achen Thiep, one of the participants, shared her positive experience, stating that the day had a profound impact on her life as she received messages of empowerment and support for women’s capabilities, unlike in the past.

She remarked, “Today is a momentous day for me because it focuses on women, and we are grateful to the organization for organizing such events to inspire women who lack self-awareness, knowledge of their rights, ways to manage themselves and their children during crises, and how to maintain their businesses to provide for their children.”

Monica Mawein Kuol, a women activist, emphasized the significance of the event, noting that it was the first of its kind in the area. She acknowledged the warm reception it received, stating, “We gathered 50 women leaders from various groups, marking the initial step taken in Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. The concept of women empowerment has been embraced and wholeheartedly welcomed by the women.”

Angelina Thiep, the project manager for Women Intellectual Networks (WIN), described the organization as a coalition of multiple women’s groups in South Sudan and the South Sudanese women diaspora, including the United States of America and Australia. Angelina Thiep explained that the agency was established in 2022 to advocate for women’s rights in the country.

“The organization emerged during the International Women’s Day celebrations in 2022, where discussions centred around promoting equality between men and women in South Sudan and rescuing women from harmful practices that hinder their participation. Our main objective is to promote gender equality and participation at all levels,” said Angelina Thiep.

Recently, the organization secured a four-month funding grant from the Civil Society Facility (CSF) to conduct awareness campaigns highlighting the importance of women’s participation in politics, development, and other areas.