In a significant step toward promoting gender equality and enhancing women’s economic participation, the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare (MGCSW) has signed a landmark Output Agreement with the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS).
The agreement marks the beginning of construction under the South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project (SSWSEEP), ushering in a new era of institutional support for women and girls across the country.
Formalized on Tuesday in Juba, the deal lays the foundation for several key infrastructure developments, including the MGCSW’s new headquarters, a safe house in Juba, and Women’s Economic Community Centres (WECCs) in Wau and Torit.
“These centers will serve as a cornerstone for women’s social and entrepreneurial advancement, providing inclusive spaces and resources to foster growth for women and girls in this country,” said Esther Ikere Eluzai, Understanding MGCSW, emphasizing the importance of moving the project from planning to execution.
“This Output Agreement is a historic milestone in implementing this project, particularly for the civil works component managed by UNOPS,” she added.
The SSWSEEP project manager, Timothy Yobuta, highlighted the broader significance of the infrastructure, noting that these facilities will not only provide physical spaces but also play a critical role in delivering essential services.
“The safe house and WECCs will provide gender-based violence services and safe spaces, benefiting not just women and girls, but also men and boys who are survivors,” Yobuta explained.
Meanwhile, Buruktawit Metiku Woldegiorgis, UNOPS representative, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the project.
“UNOPS is dedicated to working closely with the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare to ensure the successful delivery of the infrastructure outlined in this agreement,” said Buruktawit, Service Support Manager at UNOPS. “Our goal is to establish safe and empowering spaces for women and girls across South Sudan.”
The South Sudan Women’s Social and Economic Empowerment Project is expected to be a transformative initiative, furthering the country’s efforts toward gender equity and sustainable development.
