The German embassy in Juba has announced that it is funding five community-based projects aimed at supporting women and girls in South Sudan. These projects are being implemented in Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, and Western Bahr el Ghazal states. The focus areas of the projects include education, protection, women’s economic empowerment, menstrual health, and community cohesion. This initiative is part of Germany’s broader support for locally led peace, development, and resilience initiatives in South Sudan.
German Ambassador to South Sudan Sebastian Brökelmann emphasized the importance of women and girls as participants in peacebuilding and development, rather than simply beneficiaries. He made these remarks during the signing of the funding agreements. According to Brökelmann, women and girls are crucial actors in building peaceful, resilient, and inclusive communities. The German embassy’s initiative aims to harness the potential of women and girls in South Sudan.
One of the projects is being implemented by St Joseph Parish of the Catholic Diocese of Torit in Narus, Eastern Equatoria. The project aims to provide a safer learning environment for students at St Bakhita Girls Secondary School. In Lafon County, African Parks South Sudan is working with Lafon Secondary School to improve the learning environment for students and teachers. The goal is to strengthen access to education and skills development in the region.
In Kator Payam, Central Equatoria, the Women and Children Protection Initiative is combining women’s livelihood support with peacebuilding and community dialogue. This project aims to empower women economically while promoting peace and community cohesion. Another project in Juba County, implemented by the Community Empowerment Organization for Peace and Development, focuses on adolescent girls’ knowledge of menstrual health, dignity, and peer support.
In Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal, the Acting Community Team is upgrading an existing centre into a space for women and girls. The centre is intended to provide protection, economic empowerment, and community support. This initiative is expected to have a positive impact on the lives of women and girls in the region. The projects are being funded directly by the German embassy.
Germany provides significant support to South Sudan, including humanitarian assistance and longer-term development programmes. The areas of focus for these programmes include local governance, rural development, agriculture, water and sanitation, peace and reconciliation, gender equality, and the prevention of sexual and gender-based violence. The five community-based projects are an addition to Germany’s existing initiatives in South Sudan.
The German embassy’s initiative demonstrates its commitment to supporting women and girls in South Sudan. By funding these community-based projects, Germany aims to promote peace, development, and resilience in the country. The projects are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of women and girls, and contribute to the overall development of South Sudan.
Key points
- Germany funds five community-based projects to support women and girls in South Sudan
- Projects focus on education, protection, women’s economic empowerment, menstrual health, and community cohesion
- Initiative is part of Germany’s broader support for locally led peace, development, and resilience initiatives in South Sudan
