A renewed sense of empowerment is transforming the lives of women in Yei River County, Central Equatoria State, following their graduation from an intensive 12-month training program focused on social and economic empowerment.
On Friday, 213 women completed their training, gaining vital skills in women’s solidarity, the value of women’s work, gender equality, rights and decision-making, numeracy, business development, and savings management.
Additionally, participants specialized in Agri-Business, Poultry Keeping, and Tailoring, ensuring they are equipped with practical knowledge for sustainable livelihoods.
The program aims not just to empower women but to secure a brighter future for them and their families by providing essential skills and resources needed for economic independence.
One of the graduates, Margret Poni, who undertook training in bakery, expressed gratitude to the organizers, emphasizing how her newfound skills will enable her to provide for her family.
“With the skills I’ve acquired, I can now start my own small-scale business, baking local cakes for commercial purposes,” Poni shared. “Before the training, running a cake business was just a dream, now it is a reality because I have the skills to make it happen.”
She further emphasized that the knowledge gained would help her generate income, improving her family’s economic stability.
“With these skills, I will work alongside my husband to ensure family sustainability,” she added, urging county authorities to establish a Women’s Engagement Center in Gimo Boma.
Another beneficiary, Abira Beatrice, completed the hairdressing course, which she says provided her with the confidence and skills to launch her own salon or freelance business.
“This training was more than just learning a skill; it was a life-changing initiative,” Beatrice said. “Now I have doors open for business anywhere I go.”
Beatrice encouraged women, both single and married, to embrace empowerment programs, as acquiring skills will help them achieve financial independence and reduce dependency.
“I urge all women to step forward, get empowered, gain skills, and earn money through hard work,” she emphasized.
She also called on the government to sustain its support for women empowerment programs, appreciating Women for Women International and other organizations for their continuous efforts to uplift women in Yei River County.
During the graduation ceremony, Emmanuel Taban Seme, Commissioner of Yei River County, urged the newly trained women to apply their skills to improve their families’ well-being.
He reassured them of the county government’s commitment to promoting women’s economic empowerment, recognizing that financial independence among women leads to stronger communities.
The commissioner also extended appreciation to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) for collaborating with the local government to create sustainable empowerment initiatives.
The success of this program highlights the transformative power of skill-building and financial empowerment, proving that when women are equipped with the right tools, they can create a better future for themselves and generations to come.
