World Bank, Gender Ministry boost 54 women groups
By Julius N. Uma
July 10, 2010 (JUBA) — The Gender, Child and Social Welfare Ministry in the Government of Southern Sudan has awarded grants amounting to over U$2.0 million to 54 women groups across Southern Sudan.
Most of the women groups that won the awards are involved in agricultural and animal husbandry activities, as well as bee-keeping, trading, tailoring and micro-credit schemes.
The Economic Empowerment for Women project, according to the Gender, Child and Social Welfare Minister, Agnes Kwaje Lasuba seeks to not only uplift the status of women, but further motivate them to take more active roles in running and developing Southern Sudan.
“Most women, particularly those living in the rural areas have waited for too long to get peace dividends. These awards mark the beginning of their peace dividends and more to come,” the Minister said, adding that the project benefits in the long run will reduce the burden of poverty on women and their families.
In a related development, Mr. Lawrence Clarke, World Bank Southern Sudan Program and Juba Office Manager, reiterated the benefits of the Economic Empowerment for Women project, which he anticipates will reduce the intensity of malnutrition in Southern Sudan, hence paving the way for the growth of healthy and intelligent children.
“Supporting productive women groups is a cardinal instrument to fight poverty,” Mr. Clarke said.
“As the Administrator of the MDTF-SS, the World Bank will make sure that the resources are used to realize that dream for the people of Southern Sudan,” Mr. Clarke added, while advising the winning groups to make good use of the money to encourage from development partners.
While speaking on behalf of the donor countries, the head of the Joint Donor Team (JDT) Mr. Michael Elmquist reiterated donors’ commitment towards supporting women-related initiatives.
The JDT boss promised to work closely with the Gender, Social Welfare and Religious Affairs Ministry to continue supporting women projects as a mechanism of improving the future of Southern Sudan.
Ms. Dina Disan Olweny, who spoke on behalf of the award winners, described the Women Empowerment Project as the beginning of raising the standard of living in Southern Sudan.
“This is an important tool for the advancement of women network in Southern Sudan for the purpose of capacity building and ensuring food security,” she said.
Meanwhile, another round of the competition, according to the Gender Ministry is in the offing, and special attention will reportedly be given to Southern Sudanese states eluded in the first round awards.
(ST)