Empowering Women Entrepreneurs
The Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare has launched a $10 million entrepreneurial project to support 1,200 women owning small-scale business enterprises. This project is aimed at empowering women aged 18 to 60 and will involve them in seeds and growth labs.
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The project aims to provide financial support, training, and resources to women entrepreneurs to enable them to grow their businesses. According to Minister Aya Benjamin Warille, the establishment of the project is a testament to the commitment of the government and partners to create inclusion.
Challenges Faced by Women Entrepreneurs
Women in the entrepreneurial sector face several challenges, including limited access to capital, insufficient training, and lack of networking opportunities. However, the project will address these challenges through mentorship programs. Minister Aya emphasized that when women are economically empowered, they can invest in their families and communities, leading to broader social and economic benefits.
Call to Action
The Minister called upon all government agencies, private sector partners, civil society organizations, and the community at large to join hands with the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare in this noble endeavor. "Together, we can create a brighter future for our women, and by extension, for the whole nation," she said.
Support from Partners
Cosmas Ayella, the Deputy Director of the International Rescue Committee, highlighted the barriers that female entrepreneurs face. He said the successful implementation of the project would lead to the success of many businesses. Ayella noted that women often face difficulties in accessing loans and expressed commitment to breaking these barriers by fostering their resilience and unlocking economic opportunities.
Impact of the Project
The Program Manager for the South Sudan Women Social and Economic Empowerment projects, Lansana Wonneh, said the project was a long-awaited initiative to boost productivity of women in the economic sector. "If you are to move along the streets in Juba here, the majority of the businesses that you see on the roadside are run by women. It is through these women’s contributions that is driving the economy," he stated.
Conclusion
The $10 million entrepreneurial project is a significant step towards empowering women entrepreneurs in South Sudan. By providing financial support, training, and resources, the project aims to address the challenges faced by women in the entrepreneurial sector. With the support of government agencies, private sector partners, and civil society organizations, the project is expected to create a brighter future for women and contribute to the country’s socioeconomic development.
